The acting Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, highlighted the willingness of the Spanish and New Zealand governments to strengthen trade and investment links in a future Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and New Zealand.
In his speech at the Spain-New Zealand Business Meeting (organized by ICEX, CEOE and Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Embassy of New Zealand), he highlighted the Government's support for a future Agreement that strengthens trade relations and deepens others Areas: "Free trade agreements must serve to safeguard the environment and labor standards, promote sustainable economic development, benefit minorities and reduce gender gaps, as well as enable SMEs to participate in their benefits."
The minister stressed that the complementarity of both economies in areas such as food processing, biotechnology, innovation in agri-food technology or the development of infrastructures, as well as in the aeronautical, naval, wind or water processing sectors can contribute to the objective of decarbonisation of the New Zealand economy.
Marta Blanco, president of CEOE International, has pointed out the growing interest among Spanish companies in New Zealand. He especially thanks the visit of the Minister of New Zealand to Spain because it is an opportunity to learn about the priorities of his government and the opportunities that are derived for Spanish companies. Marta Blanco also mentions that the growth prospects of the New Zealand economy, the dynamism of its economy, the leadership in the international rankings on business climate and its commitment to the processes of trade liberalization, make this country very attractive.
Numerous Spanish companies are successfully participating in projects related to the supply and maintenance of commuter electric units, the construction and operation of highways, hospitals, extension of the broadband network, design and construction of optical network, installation of led and maintenance of lighting, navigation systems, among others. The president of CEOE International was convinced that thanks to the plans for housing and infrastructure planned for the coming years, as a result of the population increase in New Zealand, new opportunities will arise. He also stressed that the partnerships between New Zealand and Spanish companies to work in third markets in the region will be a very interesting area of work. Finally, he highlighted the importance in both countries of the tourism sector, as one of the strategic sectors to support the growth of wealth, employment and sustainable development and highlighted the possible synergies between Spanish and New Zealand companies.
The president of the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, José Luis Bonet, has highlighted the stability and competitiveness of the New Zealand economy, which has experienced a sustained expansion during the last three decades and currently grows above 3%. "It is an open country, with a wide range of free trade agreements, a pro-competitive regulation, an efficient fiscal regime and an open and transparent political system." Bonet has also stressed that New Zealand is a key player in Asian and trans-Pacific trade relations, and the free trade agreement with the EU can consolidate it as a springboard for European companies in the region.