8. Question No. 8—Trade and Export GrowthTĀMATI COFFEY (Labour) to the Minister for Trade and Export GrowthQuestion No. 8—Trade and Export Growth8. TĀMATI COFFEY (Labour) to the Minister for Trade and Export Growth: What recent reports has he seen on New Zealand's sustainable trade?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister for Trade and Export Growth): The Sustainable Trade Index launched in Singapore last night by the Hinrich Foundation the International Institute for Management Development ranks New Zealand first among 30 economies that undertake international trade in a manner that supports long-term global sustainable development. The index analyses 70 data points grouped into economic environmental and societal pillars across 30 economies including all members of APEC and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. New Zealand's ranked first in the Sustainable Trade Index and it is an excellent endorsement of Government's Trade for all Agenda and our success in economic growth environmental protection and societal development.Tāmati Coffey: How does New Zealand's reputation for sustainable trade benefit our exporters?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: New Zealand's reputation for sustainability is vital to creating export value. Our standard of living depends upon our ability to trade. That in turn depends on adapting to changing markets. Both the trade environment and consumer demands are changing in a world that's challenged by food security and climate change. New Zealand suppliers are facing increasing expectations from overseas purchasers looking to verify and promote the sustainability of their supply chains. This includes major companies like Nestlé which has committed to halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and to reaching net zero by 2050. New Zealand being ranked first in the Sustainable Trade Index is a strong validation of our approach to sustainable trade and goes to the heart of our global brand.Tāmati Coffey: What commitments to sustainable trade has this Government made?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: Many many. The Government is committed to supporting New Zealand exporters who are facing these increasing expectations from purchasers. As I say they're looking to verify and promote sustainability in their own supply chains. At a time of increasing protection in world trade we as a Government are committed to supporting market access and creating new opportunities for New Zealand exporters.Tāmati Coffey: Given that the primary sector is our largest exporter how is the Government supporting the primary sector businesses to trade sustainably?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: The Government is focused on supporting the primary sector to trade sustainably—$710 million over four years through the Climate Emergency Response Fund—to accelerate efforts to lower agricultural emissions to expand the contribution of forestry and to come up with things like alternative green fuels. We're currently consulting with the industry on their own proposal He Waka Eke Noa and making sure that we can implement this in a way that the farmers and the producers understand why and that we have a practical outcome that reduces our emissions over time. This Government is committed to a sustainable future for all New Zealand producers and our economy.