Trade in Services Agreement

Overview

In recent months, New Zealand and 21 other WTO members[1]have been exploring the possibility of launching negotiations on a new trade in services agreement. Known as the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) , it would build on existing WTO rules and market access (the General Agreement on Trade in Services, or GATS) and be able to attract broad participation from the wider WTO membership. 

This initiative provides New Zealand with a further opportunity to advance our on-going efforts to lower trade barriers for New Zealand services exporters at the WTO and through free trade agreements.  Through the TISA negotiations, New Zealand stands to benefit from the development of new and enhanced rules that promote transparency and services trade, and from securing improved access to TISA markets, which account for approximately 80 per cent of New Zealand’s commercial services exports.  Total New Zealand services exports were $13.7 billion in 2012.

Request for feedback

With discussions on the TISA now entering a more formal phase, it is important that negotiators know and understand the views and interests of New Zealanders.  Exporters, investors, consumers of services imports, non-government organisations and individuals are invited to make submissions.  Details on how to make a submission are provided below. 

We are particularly eager to hear from exporters and investors about how we can lower barriers to services trade and make it easier to do business in TISA markets.  Examples of the common sorts of restrictions that New Zealand service suppliers typically face offshore include:

• Restrictions on supplying services to consumers in TISA markets from New Zealand (such as via the internet – online education, consultancy or professional services, etc. – including laws that require a commercial presence in offshore markets as a prerequisite for supplying cross-border services);
• Limitations on New Zealand professional services firms doing business in TISA markets, including requirements to obtain local licences or difficulties in recognition of professional experience or qualifications;
• Difficulties in obtaining business visas, including for travelling to TISA markets to deliver a service;
• Restrictions on investment in services industries in TISA markets (such as requirements to operate joint ventures with local partners, limitations on the ability to establish new enterprises or invest equity in companies operating in TISA markets, requirements to employ locals or restrictions on the ability to transfer New Zealand staff to offshore subsidiaries or affiliates, and residency or nationality requirements for company directors); and
• Other business restrictions (e.g. difficulties competing with local firms that benefit from government preferences or complex and discriminatory local regulations).

How to submit feedback

How to make a submission

We welcome feedback using the below online form or via email to the Trade Negotiations Division (tnd@mfat.govt.nz).

Due date for submissions: Submissions are requested by Friday 26 July 2013.

Sensitive information

Any commercial-in-confidence or similarly sensitive information included in submissions should be identified so this information can be withheld from future publications, including any summary of submissions that may be posted on the Ministry’s website.

What you may wish to cover in your submission

We welcome any views you may have on the TISA negotiation.  We are particularly eager to receive as much information as possible from exporters and investors.  Information from your business on how we can address services barriers in TISA markets will inform the development of New Zealand’s negotiating position.  The types of information that would be useful are highlighted above.  Specific questions are also included in the online form below.  We also welcome feedback from any stakeholders that have concerns over certain issues being included in the TISA framework.

Contact us

Please direct any questions you have about the TISA negotiations, or the submission process, to Vickie Miller (vickie.miller@mfat.govt.nz).

Online submission form

• Online submission form