3. Trade Agreements—Negotiations with European UnionDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister for Trade and Export GrowthTrade Agreements—Negotiations with European Union3. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister for Trade and Export Growth: What announcements has the Government made regarding trade and export growth?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for Trade and Export Growth): Last night the European Union and the New Zealand Government announced we've agreed a start to free-trade agreement negotiations. The European Union is already our third-largest trading partner with two-way trade worth more than $20 billion. A free-trade agreement should increase trade even further offering significant economic gains for New Zealand and the European Union. It's critical to our interests that New Zealand works together with like-minded countries to combat the rising tide of protectionism around the world and that's what this coalition Government is doing.Dr Duncan Webb: What has this coalition Government done to get negotiations with the EU started?Hon DAVID PARKER: At the same time as this coalition Government has been rebuilding public support and confidence in trade at home we've been getting on with trying to see the launch of negotiations. In that regard much of the credit belongs to the Prime Minister who on her recent visit with President Macron and Chancellor Merkel reiterated the values this Government shares with the EU. I have no doubt that her advocacy for New Zealand particularly with France helped get their support for the launch of negotiations.Hon Gerry Brownlee: Promote that man!Hon DAVID PARKER: I would think that even the Hon Gerry Brownlee will thank the Prime Minister for her exemplary leadership.Dr Duncan Webb: How will a potential EU - New Zealand free-trade agreement benefit the New Zealand environment economy and workers?Hon DAVID PARKER: The exact shape of the free-trade agreement with the European Union will be determined over the coming negotiating rounds but we expect a high-quality agreement that gives greater market access for New Zealand's exports in both goods and services; high standards on labour the environment and climate change; and the EU forecast itself that the agreement could add more than $2 billion a year to the New Zealand economy which they predict and I agree will flow through to increases in wages and jobs for New Zealand workers. The launch of these negotiations is yet another example of this Government building the foundations for a sustainable high-wage high-value economy and a fairer society.Hon Todd McClay: Did he ask the Prime Minister whether she sought a commitment from the French President to significantly improve New Zealand's dairy and meat exports to level the playing field with other countries we compete against in the EU market?Hon DAVID PARKER: That is the point of the negotiation and the Prime Minister at the time in response to media questions recognised that that point of tension will be one of the very issues that our negotiators will be working hard on.Hon Todd McClay: Can the Minister confirm that he will not protest this trade agreement or will he need to add the words comprehensive and progressive" to its name to support it?Hon DAVID PARKER: I can confirm that there will be no need for any such protest because this will be a much better-quality deal than that that was served up in respect of the Trans-Pacific Partnership."