Market Access

The Ministry's key responsibilities - working with business

The Ministry conducts the New Zealand Government’s business with foreign governments and international organisations, such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

One of the Ministry’s key trade responsibilities is to negotiate market access for New Zealand goods and services and to maintain and enforce that access. The Ministry, in conjunction with its network of Embassies and High Commissions offshore works with business in the following ways:

• Provides a partnership in trade negotiations by establishing an ongoing and open dialogue between New Zealand businesses and negotiators. This dialogue helps the Ministry meet the needs and expectations of exporters as well as keeping businesses informed of the details and progress of the negotiations.
• Provides assistance to help overcome access problems for exporters entering international markets (e.g. tariffs, import restrictions, health or packaging requirements).
• Communicates information about new market access opportunities that result from trade negotiations.
• Provides targeted economic and political information on export markets.
• Provides assistance in gaining introductions to key players in international markets including central and local government contacts as well as within the local business community.
• Promotes opportunities that help to bring new skills, technology, research and development and investment to New Zealand.

Role of the Ministry’s Business Liaison Unit

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a specialist unit dedicated to liaising with New Zealand's business community. The Business Liaison Unit is responsible for providing trade and economic related information to the business community and for facilitating consultation with business during trade negotiations.

If you have any specific queries regarding market access or impediments to trade, please contact the Business Liaison Unit, Economic Divison.

Contact details: are (04) 439 8157 or eco@mfat.govt.nz

If you require further information please refer to our related resources section on this page.

Receive regular trade & economic updates - join our mailing list

To stay up to date on current international trade issues, please fill in our business contact form.