The British High Commissioner says a free trade deal with New Zealand will help set the tone for the UK's post-Brexit trade policy.
New Zealand's one of the first to kick off negotiations after Britain's jump from the European Union - with talks set to begin next month.
Laura Clarke says they'll look to enhance the existing $6 billion trading relationship between the two countries.
"We share a commitment to a high ambition, high quality, future-proof free trade agreement that will benefit citizens of both our countries, and support us in the recovery from Covid-19."
She told Heather du Plessis-Allan it shows the importance of the relationship between both countries.
"It reflecting New Zealand's ability to innovate in trade policy, and that shared ambition to do a really high-quality trade agreement that then sets the tone for others."Â
New Zealand has formally launched free trade talks with the UK. 🇳🇿🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/oYMpbcwUmE
— Aaron Dahmen (@dahmenaaron) June 17, 2020
Trade Minister David Parker announced the news on Tuesday, with the first round of talks expected to take place in mid-July by video conference.
"As the UK embarks on its next steps post-Brexit, New Zealand is pleased to be among the first countries to negotiate a trade agreement with one of our oldest friends," Parker said in a statement.
"New Zealand and the United Kingdom have a close relationship, including strong trade and economic ties, common values and traditions and a shared history. A free trade agreement will be an important new milestone in that relationship."
The UK is New Zealand's sixth largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth almost $6 billion in 2019.
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