A trend that appears from the history of trade in New Zealand is that our quality of life plummets when we are shut off to the global market. We do not get rich by selling to ourselves.
NZIBF believes the key to New Zealand’s future success hinges on lifting the volume and value of our exports. Our country must take advantage of these international opportunities, as we have done in the past, to increase our standard of living.
Our small domestic market constrains the opportunities for Kiwi businesses. When opening out to the global economy, they can profit from their competitive advantage and economies of scale.
To achieve this, the rules, regulations and policies, applied both in New Zealand and offshore markets, must promote exports.
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) allow New Zealand producers to thrive and expand with more access to resource, knowledge, and innovation. Exports to China have jumped 160% since the FTA came into force in 2008. Trade is on track to double to NZ$20 billion by the end of 2015.
The New Zealand Government has adopted the goal of increasing exports as a percentage of GDP from 30 percent currently to 40 percent by 2025.