The historic free trade agreement signed yesterday with China has been warmly welcomed across the agricultural sector.
Kiwifruit exporter Zespri chairman Craig Greenlees said the deal marked the start of a new era of partnership.
"China's agreement to reduce the 20 per cent tariff on kiwifruit to zero over the course of the next nine years is a very significant achievement, one that will be worth many millions of dollars to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry over time," Greenlees said.
Fonterra chairman Henry van der Heyden said the dairy giant needed to study the detail before quantifying the benefits, but from what had been seen it would be good for the dairy industry.
"It will significantly improve access for New Zealand exporters, provide certainty in our trading environment going forward, and support Fonterra's strategy in China."
