BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer welcomed the European Parliament's approval of the free-trade agreement between the European Union and New Zealand. Beyrer commented on the plenary vote, stating, "This is a welcome step in the EU’s efforts to diversify its sources of supply, create new export market opportunities, and to increase its economic resilience in the face of rising geopolitical tensions."
Beyrer emphasized the significance of the trade agreement in strengthening the EU's presence in the Indo-Pacific region, noting that it is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world. He expressed hope that the ratification of this agreement would lead to more agreements in the future, stating, "The EU’s trade engine needs a boost, and we hope the ratification of this agreement marks a turnaround that paves the way for more agreements to come."
Highlighting the benefits of the agreement for both parties, Beyrer mentioned that New Zealand's dynamic public procurement market and opportunities for trade in services make it an attractive partner for the EU. He pointed out that the agreement would improve market access for goods by eliminating tariffs on important EU exports like machinery, and establish modern rules of origin, competition, and intellectual property, which are essential for the EU's competitiveness.