New Zealand and China have signed a preliminary deal to upgrade the two countries existing Free Trade Agreement. The deal, signed on Jan. 26, comes as Beijing seeks to establish itself globally as an advocate of multilateralism while trade disputes continue with Australia, New Zealand’s closest neighbour. In a virtual signing ceremony, New Zealand’s Trade Minister Damien O’Connor said the upgraded deal expands the existing trade deal making it “fit for purpose” for another decade. “This upgraded agreement comes at a time of considerable global economic disruption due to COVID-19. The upgraded free trade agreement is part of the government’s Trade Recovery Strategy, in response to the economic shock of COVID-19,” O’Connor said. “China is one of New Zealand’s most important relationships. Signing this agreement today builds on the significant benefits both countries have enjoyed as a result of our existing FTA.” The deal provides for tariffs to be either …