After 18 years, NZ seals trade agreement with Gulf Co-operation Council countries

After 18 years, NZ seals trade agreement with Gulf Co-operation Council countries
Todd McClay says the agreement with the GCC countries is the highest quality deal the grouping has done. (Image: NZME)
Dileepa Fonseka
New Zealand has secured a free trade agreement with the Gulf Co-operation Council countries nearly 15 years after first announcing a deal had been struck.As the clock hit midnight on Friday, Trade Minister Todd McClay announced a trade deal 18 years in the making had been concluded – for real this time. McClay said the deal would deliver duty-free access for 99% of New Zealand exports to Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries over 10 years. And on the first day the deal comes into force, 51% of exports to the region will be t...

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