7. Trade China—Free-trade Agreement and Export Restrictions on Wine and HoneyRICHARD PROSSER (NZ First) to the Minister of TradeTrade China—Free-trade Agreement and Export Restrictions on Wine and Honey7. RICHARD PROSSER (NZ First) to the Minister of Trade: What advice has he received on the current status of New Zealand's trade relationship with China?Hon TODD McCLAY (Minister of Trade): I regularly receive advice on our trade relationships with a range of countries including China which shows that New Zealand exports to China have quadrupled since the New Zealand - China free-trade agreement entered into force. It has been an incredible success story. But although China is an important market for New Zealand I would note that less than 20 percent of our goods exports go to China. The Government continues to actively work on a diverse trade agenda which includes the recently signed Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement; the ASEAN Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership negotiation which is currently under way; the Trade in Services Agreement; the Environmental Goods Agreement; an agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council; an agreement with India; and PACER-Plus. We are also on track to begin negotiations with the EU a market that is worth $20.6 billion in two-way trade in goods and services.Richard Prosser: Can he give New Zealand exporters an assurance that the latest example of China moving the goalposts and requiring a new registration system in spite of our free-trade agreement will not disadvantage our honey and wine producers as happened to exporters of infant milk formula 2 years ago?Hon TODD McCLAY: Yes I do not think there is reason for concern here. China has signalled these plans which will apply to imports from all countries for some time. We have navigated such requirements for other export sectors in the past. I have every confidence that the New Zealand and Chinese officials will work constructively again to do so for wine and honey and work alongside New Zealand industry.Richard Prosser: Is he concerned that the upcoming and overdue European Union audit of New Zealand's honey exports might be influenced by New Zealand failing China's latest audit or is he satisfied that our failing of the Chinese honey audit is merely another example of bullying trade tactics on the part of the Chinese?Hon TODD McCLAY: No I have great confidence in the New Zealand honey industry. It is actually a stand-out industry. It increases exports and delivers important jobs to many of our regions. So far as audits are concerned that is an issue for the Ministry for Primary Industries but the New Zealand Government takes its obligations extremely seriously in this area.Richard Prosser: Given China's stated concerns regarding fake and counterfeited wine and honey being sold in China will he be raising the subject of China taking responsibility for Chinese counterfeiting with his Chinese counterpart; if not why not?Hon TODD McCLAY: Our trading relationship with China is worth around $20 billion. It is clear that issues will come up from time to time in such a significant relationship. We have a very strong and constructive relationship with the Chinese Government. I sought assurances from it on a number of occasions as far as that trading relationship is concerned and received them. Where there are industry-specific concerns we have pathways to continue to seek those assurances.