Preamble
The Governments of New Zealand ("New Zealand") and the People's Republic of China ("China") hereinafter referred to collectively as "the Parties":
Inspired by their longstanding friendship and growing bilateral economic and trade relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972;
Recalling the Trade and Economic Cooperation Framework between New Zealand and the People's Republic of China adopted on 28 May 2004 with the objective of strengthening the comprehensive and stable economic and trade relationship between the Parties;
Recognising that the strengthening of their economic partnership through a Free Trade Agreement, which removes barriers on the trade of goods and services and investment flows, will produce mutual benefits for New Zealand and China;
Desiring to avoid distortions in their reciprocal trade and to create an expanded market for the goods and services in their territories through establishing clear rules governing their trade which will ensure a predictable commercial framework for business operations;
Mindful that fostering innovation and the promotion and protection of intellectual property rights will encourage further trade, investment and cooperation between the Parties;
Building on their rights, obligations and undertakings under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization and other multilateral, regional and bilateral agreements and arrangements;
Mindful of their commitment to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ("APEC") goals and principles, and in particular the efforts of all APEC economies to meet the APEC Bogor goals of free and open trade and the actions subscribed in the Osaka Action Agenda;
Upholding the rights of their governments to regulate in order to meet national policy objectives, and preserving their flexibility to safeguard the public welfare;
Mindful that economic development, social development and environmental protection are interdependent and mutually reinforcing components of sustainable development and that closer economic partnership can play an important role in promoting sustainable development;
Desiring to strengthen their economic partnership to bring economic and social benefits, to create new opportunities for employment and to improve the living standards of their peoples;
Have agreed as follows:
Next > Chapter 1 - Initial Provisions
- Page last updated: 03 December 2008
