WELLINGTON, 26 January, 2021 (TON): New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern confirmed the signing of an expanded trade deal with China on Tuesday.

As Beijing seeks to establish itself as a strong supporter of multilateralism, and following a trade war with the United States while the borders are closed due to the pandemic conditions.

Ardern said at a news conference, “China remains one of our most important trade partners. For this to take place during the global economic crisis brought about by COVID-19 makes it particularly important”.

New Zealand trade minister, Damien O’Connor said in a statement, that the agreement expands an existing trade deal with China and hopes that it remains fit for another decade.

New Zealand’s mostly commodities based exports, dairy, timber and seafood will be cut or removed and the compliance cost will be reduced as per the deal.

Under the pressure imposed by the former U.S. administration over trade and international scrutiny over handling the pandemic crisis, China has surprisingly emerged well in globalization and multilateralism.

The trade pact with New Zealand also comes with Beijing’s ties with Australia. On the other hand, New Zealand is willing to help negotiate between the two countries to help build peace.