Kazakhstan trade agreements
On 9 November 2010, New Zealand, Russia and its Customs Union partners Belarus and Kazakhstan agreed to commence negotiations on a comprehensive and modern Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This followed the completion of experts’ scoping discussions that began in June 2010.
Eleven rounds of negotiations have been held so far, with the most recent being held in Moscow during February 2014. Significant progress has been made but following the events in Ukraine/Crimea, the negotiations have been suspended in the meantime. Officials are monitoring the situation closely.
Background Information
At the APEC summit on 13 November 2010, Prime Minister John Key announced negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan which began early in 2011.
"Free trade deals offer real benefits for jobs and economic growth in New Zealand and I am very pleased to be able to announce the start of negotiations on the FTA" Mr Key said. See here for the PM's media release [external link].
The Prime Minister's announcement followed a meeting on 9 November 2010 between Trade Minister Groser and Russian Economic Development Minister Elvira Nabiullina, at which a Joint Ministerial statement was agreed between New Zealand, Russia and its Customs Union partners Belarus and Kazakhstan to commence negotiations on a comprehensive and modern Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This followed the completion of experts’ scoping discussions that began in June 2010 and produced a [PDF 33KB] endorsed by Ministers.
An FTA with Russia would present a unique opportunity for New Zealand to future-proof its relationship with the largest country in the world, and the 9th-largest economy. While New Zealand’s current trade with Russia is currently relatively modest, the relationship is one which has strong growth potential.
Areas of Negotiation
This FTA negotiation will cover a wide range of trade related issues; similar to other FTAs New Zealand has negotiated. Typically these include the following areas:
Further questions?
Please direct any questions you have about the FTA negotiations with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan to:
Lucy Power
Coordinator, Russia-Belarus-Kazakstan Customs Union FTA
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Private Bag 18901
Wellington
Please direct any questions about New Zealand's bilateral relationships with Russia, Belarus, or Kazakhstan to:
Aimee Adams
