New Zealand Ambassador: Much work remains to be done to remove non-tariff barriers

This morning (June 27), the workshop "Removing non-tariff barriers for ASEAN common prosperity" organized by the Finance - Investment Newspaper in collaboration with the New Zealand Embassy is taking place in Hanoi .

The event is being held in the current context, posing many challenges for businesses: geopolitical instability, new tariff barriers, increased competition, and the accompanying impact on consumer confidence.

While we cannot fully control these global waves, we can still make better use of existing frameworks – free trade agreements, consultation mechanisms, trade norms and international laws – and continue to improve those elements that we still have control over.

Speaking at the workshop, Ms. Caroline Beresford - Ambassador of New Zealand to Vietnam said that removing non-tariff barriers (NTBs) should be placed at the center of this effort. NTBs are frequently mentioned in trade negotiations, regional forums and are stipulated in many international agreements.

The New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam informed that, in fact, there are currently more than two million non-tariff measures in effect, affecting 78% of the value of world trade and the application of these measures caused losses of up to NZD 2.4 trillion in 2019. Although there are no updated figures to date, New Zealand businesses have always shared about non-tariff measures as well as their impact on business.

Many non-tariff measures – such as biosecurity regulations that protect human health, as well as livestock and crops – are important in facilitating trade. However, if implemented inappropriately, including by restricting trade, non-tariff measures can become non-tariff barriers that impede the free flow of goods and services, delay exports and undermine collective efforts for deeper regional integration.

“Governments in the region, including Vietnam and New Zealand, have made significant progress in reducing NTBs. However, there is still much more to do – and this can only be achieved through collective efforts from all parties, in which the voice of the business community plays an essential role,” Ms. Caroline Beresford affirmed.

Sharing practical experiences will help identify policy gaps that need to be addressed. The media will play an important role in raising awareness and conveying constructive messages. Policy makers and regulators will also need to listen carefully and translate these into transparent, effective regulations that are in line with international commitments and support business development.

Ms. Caroline Beresford - New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam speaking at the Workshop. Photo: Chi Cuong.

According to the Ambassador, like Vietnam and other ASEAN partners, New Zealand is proactive and solution-oriented in addressing non-tariff barriers (NTBs). New Zealand has always worked closely with the business community to understand the challenges they are facing and strives to be a voice for them in international forums.

New Zealand’s “any door is open” policy ensures that exporters can contact any trade regulator with a concern and receive a response within 48 hours. All NTBs reported are recorded in a national database and monitored.

New Zealand addresses these issues through a variety of channels, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), bilateral engagement, committees under free trade agreements (FTAs), as well as through innovative partner-led approaches.

Ambassador Caroline Beresford affirmed that a dynamic and thriving private sector, both domestically and internationally, is central to sustainable development. Good regulations promote trade for the economy, and reducing NTBs also contributes to strengthening regional integration and trade. “We are committed to supporting a favorable, transparent and predictable business environment in this region, fully aware that your prosperity is our prosperity.”

The New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam also expressed his honor to coordinate with the Finance - Investment Newspaper to organize today's forum with the desire to create a forum for businesses and exporters to directly share experiences on NTBs; Discuss practical policy solutions to improve trade flows and shape future negotiation rounds - especially in the current global context; Support Southeast Asian governments in enhancing long-term market competitiveness and Strengthen regional connectivity among businesses, while equipping them with tools to maintain competitiveness and resilience to major fluctuations.

The Ambassador hopes that the workshop “Removing Non-Tariff Barriers for ASEAN Common Prosperity” will be a starting point for deeper dialogues and contribute practical and constructive solutions for the future, as in a Maori proverb that the Maori people New Zealand always cherishes: “Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi” - Your rice basket and my rice basket, together, the people will be well-fed.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/dai-su-new-zealand-van-con-nhieu-viec-can-lam-de-thao-go-rao-can-phi-thue-quan-d314909.html