Kiwiblog seems to have gotten hold of some embargoed information on the China FTA. We think that the deal covers 96% of NZ exports, but lets not split hairs. This is a great deal.
What interests us here at The Hive is the impact this deal is going to have around the world. China is about to sign a deal that is higher quality than the US-Australia deal, and in some areas, goes further than even the CER agreement between Australia and New Zealand (dispute settlement, investment, quarantine etc.). It is going to shock many capitals as they were expecting another poor quality deal. Now the pressure is going to come on to match what New Zealand has done. But how can they do this. To match what New Zealand has got from China, they will have to agree to give China total free trade in goods, and concessions on services and investment within 9 years can they? Can Kim Il Carr agree the end of protection for the automobile and TCF sectors in Australia by 2016??
