On 21 July 2018, Cecilia Malmström, Member of the EC in charge of Trade, and David Parker, New Zealander Minister for Trade, officially launched negotiations for a comprehensive and ambitious trade agreement between the EU and New Zealand, in the New Zealand capital of Wellington.The aim of the negotiations is to remove barriers to trade in goods and services, create opportunities for small and large companies, as well as setting ambitious rules in line with other trade agreements of the EU, contributing to shape global trade.Bilateral trade in goods between the EU and New Zealand stood at €8.7 billion in 2017. The sectors which make up the bulk of EU exports to New Zealand are manufactured goods like transport equipment, and machinery and appliances, as well as chemicals, plastics, food, and services. In addition, a further €4.4 billion is exchanged in services (2016).