28 June 2002 www.tln.org.nz
The Green Party appears to be signalling that it is prepared to compromise on its longstanding opposition to trade
liberalisation.
“If that’s true, it’s about time” said Trade Liberalisation Network Chairman Brian Lynch today. Mr Lynch was reacting to
remarks by Green Party Co-leaders in the 27 June edition of the NZ Herald. “The Green Party’s trade policy has always
been unrealistic for a nation so vitally dependent on trade like New Zealand. If they now see the value of trade, and
the importance of effective trade rules, that’s at least a start”.
Mr Lynch said he remained concerned at Green statements on the World Trade Organisation. “The WTO underpins New
Zealand’s entire trade effort. The Uruguay Round negotiations enhanced New Zealand’s access for diary and meat products
in key markets, reduced barriers in manufacturing and services and put in place a new dispute settlement framework that
New Zealand has used to its advantage. The Doha round will hopefully extend this work if all participants can be brought
to the table. Leaving the WTO or weakening its provisions by introducing mandatory labour and environmental standards
will do far more harm than good to New Zealand”.
Mr Lynch also queried the Green Party’s proposal to re-examine CER with Australia. “Australia is our largest market.
Without CER and associated instruments like the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement our exporters would lose their
competitive edge over other suppliers. How this would help New Zealand’s trade balance, which seems to be a key Green
concern, is beyond me.”
Mr Lynch said the Green Party’s ideological opposition to trade had to be tempered with what New Zealand exporters
needed to compete in difficult overseas markets. “The world is not a fair place and will not be made any fairer by
shooting ourselves in the foot” concluded Mr Lynch.
For further information
Brian Lynch, TLN Chairman, cell 025 452 958
Stephen Jacobi, TLN Executive Director, cell 021 490 974