Define: Closer Economic Relations

The Closer Economic Relations (CER) agreement is a free trade agreement between Australia and New Zealand. It aims to promote closer economic integration and reduce barriers to trade and investment between the two countries.

The CER agreement provides several benefits, including the elimination of tariffs and quotas on goods traded between Australia and New Zealand, mutual recognition of standards and qualifications, and increased market access for services and investments.

While the CER agreement generally allows for the free movement of goods between Australia and New Zealand, there are certain restrictions on specific goods, such as firearms, hazardous substances, and certain agricultural products. These restrictions are in place to ensure compliance with each country’s domestic laws and regulations.

The CER agreement includes provisions for the protection of intellectual property rights, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. It ensures that individuals and businesses from both countries have equal and fair access to intellectual property protection in each other’s markets.

The CER agreement does not provide for unrestricted movement of people between Australia and New Zealand. However, it does facilitate the movement of skilled workers and professionals through various visa programs and mutual recognition arrangements for qualifications.

The CER agreement includes a dispute resolution mechanism that allows for the resolution of disputes between the two countries. This mechanism typically involves negotiations and consultations between the parties, and if necessary, the establishment of an arbitration panel to make a binding decision.

The CER agreement includes provisions that promote transparency and non-discrimination in government procurement processes. This means that businesses from Australia and New Zealand can compete for government contracts on an equal footing with domestic suppliers in each other’s countries.

The CER agreement encourages both countries to maintain and enforce competition laws that promote fair and open competition. It also includes provisions that facilitate cooperation and information sharing between the competition authorities of Australia and New Zealand.

The CER agreement can be amended or terminated through mutual agreement between Australia and New Zealand. Any proposed amendments or terminations would typically require formal negotiations and the approval of both countries’ governments.