Response to Zoellick Comments - Disappointing

Response to Zoellick Comments - Disappointing but not Surprising

It's disappointing but not surprising said TLN, Executive Director, Suse Reynolds in response to US Trade Representative Bob Zoellick's comments about the difficulties of a trade deal with New Zealand.

"We have always known a trade agreement with the US wasn't going to be easy," said Reynolds.

New Zealand's agricultural industry, small as it is compared to the US's, is seen as a real threat to US farmers. They have tremendous clout in Washington, even though their contribution to the US economy is minuscule" Reynolds pointed out.

"Then there's the bottom line - our market is tiny, theirs is huge. We don't offer much growth potential. Those are the realities."

"But they are not reasons to give up. We can't ignore the fantastic potential for growth open US borders would offer our exporters and the US can't ignore the fantastic strategic possibilities New Zealand offers."

"This set back should however send a strong message to the Government and New Zealand exporters about importance of multilateral trade liberalisation. A successful WTO round continues to offer us the best chance for meaningful and sustainable growth," Reynolds concluded.

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