The EU has launched negotiations for a trade agreement with New Zealand. In the New Zealand capital of Wellington, Cecilia Malmström, Member of the EC in charge of Trade, and David Parker, Minister for Trade and Export Growth of New Zealand, officially launched talks for a comprehensive and ambitious trade agreement on 21 July 2018. 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. The announcement follows the launch of negotiations with Australia earlier the same week. It also comes soon after the conclusion of negotiations with Mexico, the finalisation of the agreements with Japan and Singapore, and the EU-Canada agreement, which entered into force in September of last year. 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).