New Zealand fresh fruit growers and exporters have been amongst the biggest benefactors from a free trade agreement with Taiwan (ANZTEC), according to Shanghai Daily.
In the 18-month period after the bilateral pact came into force in December 2013, the value of overall exports from New Zealand to the Asian nation leapt 22 per cent to NZ$1.2bn (US$788.64m).
Highlighting some of the benefits of the deal, New Zealand trade minister Tim Grosersaid the elimination of a 20 per cent tariff on New Zealand apples had brought significant windfalls to the country’s pipfruit industry.
“As of June 2015, exports of New Zealand apples to Taiwan are now worth NZ$40m (US$26.28), up by over 200 per cent since June 2013,” Groser told Shanghai Daily.
The value of New Zealand cherry exports to Taiwan rose 150 per cent in the 18 months to 1 July 2015, while kiwifruit exports were up 24 percent.
“These early results are extremely encouraging and will build jobs and more opportunities, particularly in regional and provincial New Zealand,' Groser added.
