05.11.2013
FTA talks between CU and New Zealand proceed fast
MOSCOW, 5 November (BelTA) – The talks on the free trade agreement between the Customs Union and New Zealand are on the advanced stage, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on 5 November following the talks with his New Zealand’s counterpart Murray McCully, BelTA has learnt.
“The free trade agreement between the Customs Union and New Zealand can give a special impetus to the trade and economic cooperation. The talks on the text of the agreement are on the advanced stage. We have agreed to consider additional steps to speed up the process,” Sergei Lavrov said.
Murray McCully confirmed New Zealand’s interest in the free trade agreement with the Customs Union member states. “We have discussed a possibility to expand and boost trade and economic ties. The trade between our countries has been on the rise percentage-wise; however it remains insignificant in absolute figures. Therefore, we need to change the situation for the better as soon as possible. We are convinced that the prompt signing of the free trade area agreement between the Customs Union and New Zealand will facilitate the robust development of trade and economic cooperation,” he said. The minister expressed hope that the work will be completed by 2014.
“The free trade agreement between the Customs Union and New Zealand can give a special impetus to the trade and economic cooperation. The talks on the text of the agreement are on the advanced stage. We have agreed to consider additional steps to speed up the process,” Sergei Lavrov said.
Murray McCully confirmed New Zealand’s interest in the free trade agreement with the Customs Union member states. “We have discussed a possibility to expand and boost trade and economic ties. The trade between our countries has been on the rise percentage-wise; however it remains insignificant in absolute figures. Therefore, we need to change the situation for the better as soon as possible. We are convinced that the prompt signing of the free trade area agreement between the Customs Union and New Zealand will facilitate the robust development of trade and economic cooperation,” he said. The minister expressed hope that the work will be completed by 2014.