Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Taahiraa Pai! How innovative can FTA's get?

Taahiraa Pai (good step) in Maori. 

Is there any topic that is not relevant to trade agreements? Apparently not! 

News of a UK-NZ FTA is out. And one of the chapters in this FTA is one on Maori Trade and Economic Co-operation. I haven't been able to get hold of the text of the agreement, but this is the synopsis:

26. Māori Trade and Economic Cooperation

This chapter contains provisions for cooperation activities to strengthen the trade relationships between UK, New Zealand and Māori enterprises. This will help Māori enterprises maximise the opportunities arising from the FTA, alongside New Zealand and UK enterprises.

The chapter also recognises the importance and value of the Māori to New Zealand’s economy and society. In addition to the unique relationship between the UK, New Zealand and the Māori.

Though it is in "co-operation activities" language, it definitely signals an innovation in trade agreements - of addressing issues related to Maoris that are not the traditional preserve of FTAs - Tariffs, Services, Rules of Origin, Digital Trade, Investment and dispute settlement.

It seems that there are truly no limits to integration of trading opportunities of local communities in the globalized world. A way to address the backlash against globalization?

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