New Zealand, a small island nation that relies heavily on international trade, is watching developments closely as growing U.S. protectionism threatens the Trans-Pacific Partnership signed last yr by 12 countries that future President Donald Trump has vowed to desert.
Wellington is targeted on striking a series of latest trade deals and enhancements to existing pacts, including one with the European Union.
McClay also said it will be “interesting” to see whether momentum across the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Asian trade pact involving China and India, gains momentum if the United States withdraws from the TPP.
Trade with Sri Lanka is currently modest at NZ$307 million ($220 million) within the yr to October 2016. Sri Lanka is the fundamental destination for New Zealand’s fundamental export, dairy products, and last yr the worth of exports was NZ$240 million.
