The Protocol between the Government of the People Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Singapore on the Further Upgrading of the Free Trade Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the Protocol) will enter into force on December 31, 2024.

        The Protocol sets standard international economic and trade rules and further opens up the service trade and investment markets of China and New Zealand. In terms of market access, China and New Zealand have made commitments to open up services and investment through the negative list model, which is the first FTA upgrade negotiation in China to be completed through the negative list. In terms of rules, the two sides have established high-standard institutional arrangements in service trade, investment and telecommunications services, and further expanded cooperation in emerging areas such as the digital economy. The entry into force of the Protocol will further stimulate the potential of bilateral service trade and investment cooperation, and constantly enrich the development of China-New Zealand comprehensive, high-quality and forward-looking partnership.

        In October 2008, China and Singapore signed the FTA, and in July 2011 and November 2018 respectively signed the protocols to revise and upgrade the FTA. On December 8, 2020, China and New Zealand jointly announced the launch of negotiations on further upgrading the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. In December 2023, China and New Zealand signed the Protocol. (Source: Information Office of the Ministry of Commerce)