Export New Zealand chief executive Bob Walters says New Zealand companies must be prepared to exploit a free-trade deal if it comes.
"You always have to be conscious of what opportunities come your way," says Walters.
"It's always good to keep watching what's happening in that space - if you can take an advantage from that, you have to be ready to take that opportunity."
Walters says that is because the advantage over other countries offered by a free-trade deal is not permanent. Once signed others start queuing for the same kind of deal.
A joint approach with business and Government officials working in concert is needed, so business can follow up once the trade door is open."
The Hive knows that Export New Zealand has been very critical of the lack of business involvement in the recent phases of the negotiation of the China FTA, and of the lack of any apparent strategy by NZTE to have firms take full advantage of FTAs that have been negotiated. Export NZ is also very critical of the delivery of the Government's export education programme.