A free trade agreement with the European Union could be completed within three years, Trade Minister Todd McClay says.
Trade Minister Todd McClay Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Prime Minister Bill English has been in Europe for the last week meeting with foreign leaders and free trade with Britain and the EU has been at the top of the agenda.
Mr McClay, who is in Dubai, told Summer Report negotiations with the EU could start this year.
"New Zealand is one of only six WTO-member countries that hasn't got an FTA, or is not currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement, with the European Union.
"All of the other counties around the world who we compete against have an advantage over us.
"We'll be, at the very least, looking to level that playing field."
"We have ... agreed that it is in the interest of the New Zealand and the UK to do a deal as quickly as possible" - Trade Minister Todd McClay