New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay has outlined a strategic plan to strengthen trade relationships, particularly emphasising the need for enhanced engagement with India. McClay expressed a commitment to revitalising the Indian relationship, acknowledging that efforts over the past six years have been insufficient. He plans to visit India to initiate discussions, aiming to establish a robust partnership.
McClay also intends to focus on the Middle East, specifically the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This move signifies New Zealand’s intention to diversify and deepen its trade connections in key global markets.
Another critical area of concern for McClay is the current state of immigration policies, particularly their impact on the primary sector. Issues such as the slow processing of visa applications and restrictive rules regarding workforce entry into New Zealand have been points of contention. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford is expected to address these issues, ensuring that the sector can access necessary skills and labour.
Infrastructure, especially road development, is another priority for McClay. He notes that there has been a notable lack of investment in this area over the past six years. Improved infrastructure is seen as a key driver for increased productivity and business profitability, facilitating faster and more efficient transport of goods to markets.
In addition to McClay, several other ministers and members of the National-led coalition will play significant roles in shaping the agricultural sector. Penny Simmonds, the new Minister for the Environment and Tertiary Education, is expected to have a considerable influence on agricultural policies.
Other key figures include Erica Stanford as Immigration Minister, Chris Bishop handling Infrastructure, Dr Shane Reti as Minister of Health, and Simeon Brown overseeing the Local Government portfolio.
Nicola Grigg has been appointed as Associate Minister of Agriculture, with a special focus on Horticulture and as Minister of State for Trade.
First-term ACT MP Andrew Hoggard is the Associate Minister for Agriculture, responsible for biosecurity, food safety, animal welfare, skills, and is also an associate Minister for the Environment. Mark Patterson from NZ First has been assigned an Associate role for Rural Communities, highlighting the coalition’s commitment to addressing diverse aspects of the agricultural sector.
