In a world characterised by growing protectionism, attacks on the rules-based world order and renewed regional tensions, trade policy has become more challenging. We look forward to discussing the implications for New Zealand with Vangelis Vitalis, MFAT Deputy Secretary and New Zealand’s chief trade negotiator.

About the Speaker
Vangelis returned to Wellington in 2017 having been New Zealand’s Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation in Geneva since August 2015. In addition to his role as Deputy Secretary, Vangelis was also the Chief Negotiator who led the conclusion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP), which entered into force on 30 December 2018.

Before his posting in Geneva, Vangelis was Ambassador to the European Union, NATO and Sweden based in Brussels and has had postings to Canberra as Deputy High Commissioner and before that in Moscow. From 2008-2011 Vangelis was the Chief Negotiator who led the conclusion of the regional ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the separate FTA with Malaysia. He was also part of the negotiating teams for the FTA with China and the precursor to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, the Pacific-Four FTA. Vangelis is also the Chief Negotiator for the (currently suspended) FTA negotiations with the Customs Union of Armenia, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.‎

We hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking and lively discussion.

Please contact Chelsy Blair at chelsy.blair@nzinitiative.org.nz for further information. For more information about being a member please visit our Membership page