Freer Trade and Increased Market Access Needed

Freer Trade and Increased Market Access Needed in Time of Global Financial Crisis

The Global Services Coalition (GSC), of which the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce is a member, has urged leaders of the G20 to refrain from raising trade barriers and putting new restrictions on market access in services, in light of the current global economic environment.

The G20 is meeting in Washington DC next week to discuss the global financial crisis.

“In times like these there are temptations to revert to protectionist and isolationist policies, but experience teaches that such actions only add negative consequences to an already difficult situation,” said the letter.

“Now more than ever, governments need to publicly articulate strong and concerted political determination to ensure that the growth opportunities of freer trade and market access can and will be offered to all corners of the world.”

Chamber CEO, Charles Finny, said that the same principles apply across all sectors not just services but that the service sector is particularly important for the chamber’s membership.

The Chamber also teamed up with the Australian Services Roundtable to convey the same message to the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers.

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