"Balance in Trade" – A New MAF/MFAT Publication
MAF has collaborated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to produce a new publication about the World Trade Organisation rules on plant and animal health measures and why they are so important to New Zealand.
"Balance in Trade" aims to increase understanding of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, which underpins New Zealand’s domestic quarantine processes and the protection of our biodiversity.
The publication describes the key elements of the SPS Agreement as well as
its application to New Zealand and the management of the risks that imported
goods can pose to the safety of people, animals and plants in New Zealand.
When launching the publication, the Minister for Trade Negotiations (and also
Minister for Biosecurity) the Hon Jim Sutton said the Agreement has brought
balance to the trade rules in this area.
"Not only does New Zealand depend on maintaining access to overseas markets for its primary product exports, but New Zealanders also have a close interest in being able to protect this country legitimately through our biosecurity regime," the Minister said.
"Fair, consistent, science-based and transparent rules for international trade are therefore vital for us. The SPS Agreement is a key instrument in maintaining that balance for New Zealand."
A hard copy can be obtained from the MAF Information Bureau, tel (04) 474 4100
Contact for Enquiries
Editor - Primary Source
Corporate Communications
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: +64 4 894 0100
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
Contact this person
