Capability is not the only challenge on the table, with the impacts of climate change already a clear and present reality.
Charlotte Frater is MFAT’s Chief Negotiator for the Agreement on Climate Change Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) – and effort that is roundly supported by Te Taumata.
“ACCT is currently being negotiated with a small number of like-minded countries and it will be a unique trade agreement – in that it’s not about physical trade as such, but rather a focus on showing how trade policy and architecture can contribute positively to climate change and sustainability challenges.
“Solving these challenges will require global economic transformation. It is an urgent task and it will need every policy lever. This agreement won’t be the silver bullet – but it will be a huge help in terms of levelling the playing field for renewable alternatives.”
Once the agreement is concluded – hopefully by the end of 2023 – it will be a living agreement which will be open to other entrants over time.