UK FTA negotiations launched

RNZ reports:

New Zealand is among the first countries to negotiate a trade agreement with the UK post-Brexit.

Trade Minister David Parker said the UK is one of New Zealand’s oldest friends.

“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.

“In the post-Brexit environment, it makes more sense than ever for us to be working together to grow this partnership for the future,” he said.

The UK is New Zealand’s sixth largest trading partner, with two-way trade totalling almost $6 billion last year.

I’m quite optimistic on this FTA. It may come close to being a true FTA with minimal quotas and tariffs.