Question
What time scale does the Commission consider feasible for, at last, opening talks on a free trade agreement with New Zealand?
Answer
Following a request from New Zealand to pursue a free trade agreement with the European Union a joint declaration of 25 March 2014 launched a reflection process on options to progress the trade and economic relationship, including the parameters for the possible opening of negotiations to further liberalise trade and investment between the EU and New Zealand. This reflection process is still ongoing and the Commission has taken no position yet on whether to propose to open talks on a possible free trade agreement with New Zealand.
