PM off to Europe to talk trade
The prime minister jets to a range of high-powered meetings in Europe next week, where she intends to push sustainable trade and development.
Jacinda Ardern will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as well as visit European Union leaders in Brussels and British Prime Minister Theresa May in London.
Ardern’s visit comes as Europe contemplates an increasingly messy Brexit as Britain attempts to exit the EU.
May survived a parliamentary vote of no confidence yesterday a day after she suffered a crushing defeat in the House of Commons for her Brexit deal.
As the United Kingdom wrestles with an array of unpalatable options – ranging from no Brexit to a Brexit with no deal – it’s not clear how productive a meeting with its PM might be.
Still, Ardern is likely to see benefits for New Zealand simply by remaining in sight as a partner that can offer some fast trading stability.
‘‘My visit to the UK is an opportunity to underline New Zealand’s position as a natural and long-standing partner for the country as it redefines its global role post-Brexit,’’ Ardern said.
However, the primary reason for Ardern’s visit would be her trip to Brussels, to progress a free trade agreement with Europe.
FTA negotiations were officially launched in June last year, and the first round of talks took place a month later.
Experts estimate that agreement could add an extra $1 billion to New Zealand’s economy.
In Brussels, Ardern will meet with President of the European Council Donald Tusk, President of the European Commission Jean Claude Juncker, and Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. ‘‘I will be using my engagements to enhance New Zealand’s profile as a like-minded partner to the EU across a wide range of issues, including climate change, social policy, trade and our commitment to the rulesbased system,’’ Ardern said.
‘‘There is still much progress to make in trade talks with our European partners, so a key focus of this whole trip is to speak to European Commission and individual country leaders to shore up support for our ongoing negotiations.’’
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, the prime minister said she would be promoting the Government’s approach to ‘‘inclusive growth’’ through its ‘‘Wellbeing Agenda’’, and the delivery of the world’s first ‘‘wellbeing budget’’ in May this year.
She would also be taking part in several panel discussions, including one focused on wellbeing and options beyond GDP (gross domestic product) with the head of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); the future of the international trading system with the head of the World Trade Organisation (WTO); and a panel focused on mental health with Prince William.
‘‘Our wellbeing approach is generating significant international interest, particularly at a time when the international rules based order is under strain and leaders are grappling with constituencies dissatisfied with the status quo. I hope other leaders will come to see more compassionate domestic policy settings as a compelling alternative to the false promise of protectionism and isolation,’’ Ardern said.