1 December, 2004
Farmers Applaud Trade Deal
Federated Farmers is delighted with today’s announcement that a Closer Economic Partnership between New Zealand and
Thailand has been substantially concluded, said Tom Lambie, President of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).
"Thailand is a fast growing nation and New Zealand farmers can now look to taking advantage of the opportunities easier
access to Thai markets will offer over the long term," Mr Lambie said.
"Trade liberalisation is the means for citizens of both countries to improve their living standards. It gives the
ability to increase agricultural trade and tells the world at large that New Zealand and Thailand are committed to free
trade.
"Federated Farmers fully supports bilateral arrangements and hopes these initiatives will help progress regional and
global free trade deals.
"While the time frame for Thailand's tariff reductions is quite long, the agreement shows a clear commitment to
liberalisation and is therefore a big step in the right direction," Mr Lambie said.
ENDS