Multilateral trade talks welcomed
Released 22 Sep 2008
Federated Farmers welcomes news the United States will enter negotiations on joining the Comprehensive Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement.
Don Nicolson, President of Federated Farmers of New Zealand said:
"The potential for New Zealand in this is immense. The United States is our second largest export market at around $4.1 billion. In terms of agricultural products, it is our largest export market for both meat and dairy products."
While a comprehensive global agreement via the World Trade Organisation (WTO) remains Federated Farmers objective, the potential for a FTA with the World's largest economy was something to be savoured. Mr Nicolson continued,
"Moves to negotiate multilateral agreements with likeminded countries by the United States, sends a clear signal to the WTO to get Doha back on track. We welcome this with both arms."
Federated Farmers acknowledged negotiations to be the start of a process and not its end. Negotiations could take some time. A Comprehensive Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement could also face added delay as a result of the current United States Presidential campaign. That aside, Federated Farmers felt it to be a great step forward for New Zealand. Mr Nicolson concluded,
"The United States has been a very high priority for an FTA. It's great consistent perseverance and a commitment to free trade by New Zealand has now seen the United States come on board with us."
For further comment contact:
Federated Farmers spokesman for trade, Don Nicolson, 03 216 7405, 027 226 6331
