Hon MEKA WHAITIRI (Minister of Customs): Customs is increasing trade opportunities and helping goods to flow more efficiently across the border, contributing to the economic recovery of New Zealand's economy from the impacts of COVID-19. Internationally, Customs is advancing work to upgrade the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and is contributing to new free-trade agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Union. In June, a work plan towards a mutual recognition agreement with Thailand and the United Kingdom was agreed to, while work on a secure trade lane with Australia continues to progress. Customs has expanded its Authorised Economic Operator programme, the Secure Exports Scheme, and made it easier for businesses to join—in particular, Māori exporters. It has marketed the service so approved traders can benefit from certainty of supply chain and delivery time frames. Customs continues to engage with small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through its work on APEC 2021 to learn more about some of the challenges and opportunities these enterprises face as they navigate the COVID-19 environment and ways in which Customs administration can support the economic growth of SMEs in the region. Supporting small to medium sized enterprises is a valuable way of increasing the diversity of New Zealand's export base and encouraging economic growth in the regions.