Export New Zealand welcomes US P4 announcement

Export New Zealand welcomes US P4 announcement

Media Release 5 February 2008

Export New Zealand was encouraged to learn today of the United States’ interest in joining the talks on investment and financial services with the P4 group, or Trans Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership.

The US’s willingness to join the P4 talks is “very good news,” said Bob Walters, CEO of Export New Zealand, a private sector group representing exporters and export service providers.

The United States indicated it is willing to begin to explore whether it should enter into full negotiations with P4 regarding an FTA.

“This is most encouraging,” Mr Walters said. “This could lead to a Free Trade Agreement which would be welcomed by exporters and give them greater access to US markets.”

If the end result were a free trade agreement, it would level the playing field for New Zealand exporters sending their goods to the States. An FTA would also allow exporters to tender for government contracts, something they cannot do now. This would open up huge opportunities.

New Zealand, Singapore, Chile and Brunei comprise the two-year-old P4 group.

ENDS

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