China, New Zealand ink trade deal as Beijing calls for reduced global barriers
China and New Zealand signed a deal on Tuesday upgrading a free trade pact to give exports from the Pacific nation greater access to the world’s second-largest economy.
The pact comes as Beijing seeks to establish itself as a strong advocate of multilateralism after a bruising trade war with the United States, at a time when the coronavirus has forced the closure of many international borders.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the signing of the expanded deal.
“China remains one of our most important trade partners…For this to take place during the global economic crisis bought about by COVID-19 makes it particularly important,” she told a news conference.
China, New Zealand Upgrade Free Trade Pact albawaba.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from albawaba.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
(Adds comments from PM Ardern, more background on China's push towards multilateralism) By Praveen Menon and Gabriel Crossley WELLINGTON/BEIJING, Jan .
WELLINGTON/BEIJING China and New Zealand signed a deal that upgrades their existing free trade pact on Tuesday, giving exports from the Pacific nation…