United States Indispensable

8 November 2005

United States Indispensable For Achieving Throne Speech Vision

Stronger commercial and policy links with the United States are indispensable for achieving the vision set out in today’s “Speech from the Throne”, says the New Zealand United States Council.

Executive Director Stephen Jacobi said the Government’s objective to achieve a ‘dynamic, knowledge based economy and society’ was achievable but only with an even stronger integration in the global economy.

“Transforming New Zealand to a ‘high skill, high productivity, high wage economy’ will require a high rate of adaptation to new ideas and new technologies, as well as new investment in capital and people. While we have a lot on offer back home, the United States is a natural place for New Zealanders to look to for these sorts of partnerships”, said Mr Jacobi.

“Today’s Throne Speech drew attention to specific initiatives in science, research, higher education, export development, trade negotiations, ICT and climate change which are all areas ripe for expanded co-operation. Moreover the values underpinning these initiatives – fairness, opportunity and security – are all shared with the US”.

Mr Jacobi also welcomed the emphasis on primary industries as the ‘backbone of the New Zealand economy’. He noted that the US was our largest export market for dairy products, beef, and seafood and among the top five markets for sheepmeat, forestry, fruit and vegetables. The US is the New Zealand’s second largest purchaser of non-agricultural goods, the second export market overall and the source of around 12 percent of all foreign investment.

Mr Jacobi said the Council stood ready to work constructively with the Government to build a relationship with the US which reflected the two countries’ shared values and interests.

The New Zealand United States Council is a non partisan body funded by both business and the Government to promote New Zealand’s broader relationship with the US. For further information For further information

ENDS

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