Bob Edlin: The PM (after initial stalling) declares his confidence that FTA obligations are being met

Lawyers for Climate Action were among those who kicked up a fuss when the Government announced it would pass a law preventing companies from being sued over climate change damage.

Now they have come up with another niggle. Newsroom reported yesterday that – according to a new legal opinion – two of the Government’s key energy policies are fossil fuel subsidies which breach New Zealand’s international trade obligations.

Revti Raman Sharma: India is a ‘country of countries’....

India is a ‘country of countries’ – NZ business needs a regional strategy to make the trade deal work

The recently signed free trade agreement between New Zealand and India has so far been discussed and debated in very broad terms: the size of the Indian market, opportunities for exporters, implications for immigration.

Much of this is understandable. Preferential access to a market larger than the European Union and ASEAN countries combined, with purchasing power forecast to grow exponentially by 2050, is indeed an opportunity.

David Farrar: Reminder - Winston campaigned against the China free trade agreement

Winston Peters voted against and campaigned against the China free trade agreement, that came into force in 2008. Look at what happened to our exports to China since then:

Dr Jake Scott: The Bear Looks East

Russia’s economic realignment leaves Europe in the cold.

As the eyes of the world watch negotiations over Kiev’s future, and the “special military operation” that was intended to last ten days nears the end of its fourth year, Russia is carefully deepening its economic ties outside of the West’s sphere of influence.

Ryan Bridge: Our free trade ideology is under threat

You know how we're a free trade country?

It’s our thing.

We export, we earn, we sell, we get richer.

And we want open supply chains and free movement of goods across borders, etc., etc.

Clive Bibby: Better the devil you know

If ever there was a time when our record as a reliable partner during times of worldwide unrest is regarded as something of value, surely that time is now although it will take courage when choosing between those factions who are vying for our support.

Our government has choices to make just like during the times in the past when we have had to choose between good and evil but this time things are different.

Dr Eric Crampton: Brittania's curse

Those who grew up reading the old Greek myths will be familiar with Cassandra’s curse.

Cassandra was a Trojan princess, blessed by the Gods with the gift of true prophecy – she really could see the future. But she was also cursed never to be believed. So, when she warned her fellow Trojans about the giant wooden horse left outside the city’s walls, they ignored her.

I think Britain is similarly cursed. We can call it Britannia’s Curse.

Peter Dunne: Trading partners

Ever since Britain joined the old European Economic Community in 1973 New Zealand has been on a quest to secure reliable, long-term markets for our sheep meat, beef and dairy exports.

First, we settled on Iran as a potential market from whom we could import cheap oil in return. The Shah of Iran even visited New Zealand 1974 to strengthen the burgeoning relationship. But that all fell over when the 1979 oil crisis struck, and the Islamic revolution toppled the Shah's regime.

Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive - 17/7/23

How to talk about diversifying our trade (to reduce a heavy dependence on China) without mentioning “diversification”

Was something missing from the PM’s speech to the China Business Summit?

Point of Order mused on that question after finding no mention of the need to diversify.

We recalled a Newshub report earlier this year headed Value in New Zealand diversifying trade beyond China, Chris Hipkins says, as Nanaia Mahuta flies to Beijing

Peter Winsley: How our defence investment decisions can help lift New Zealand’s economic complexity and performance

China and the United States are the world’s two superpowers and New Zealand needs good relations with both. We look to the United States to uphold liberal democracy and the international rule of law. New Zealand is part of the Five Powers (“Five Eyes”) arrangement which largely focuses on surveillance and intelligence gathering and involves combat capabilities. The $2.4B cost for the P8-A Poseidons to replace the Orions is part of the price we pay for Five Powers membership. It is a good political investment.

Australia is New Zealand’s closest ally. Our current defence expenditure is about 1.5% of GDP, compared to Australia at about 2% (2020 figures). Australia expects New Zealand to invest more in defence, and support for this seems to be growing in Parliament. However, we also need to uphold our nuclear-free policy, given Australia’s plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

Despite shared values and close defence ties, the United States and other democracies restrict New Zealand’s primary industry exports. In contrast, our free trade agreement means China is by far our largest export market.