WTO Agreement Good News For Exporters
Monday 2 Aug 2004
Gerry Eckhoff - Press Releases - Rural
ACT New Zealand Rural Affairs Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff today welcomed the agreement of members of the World Trade
Organisation to scrap export subsidies over the next few years.
"The prospect of export subsidies being removed is excellent news for the agriculture sector and other land-based
industries in New Zealand," Mr Eckhoff said.
"It is also wonderful news for all New Zealanders. The agreement, expected to be worth over $1 billion a year to our
economy, will inevitably lead to a higher standard of living for everyone.
"I would like to express my gratitude to Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton and his officials for their efforts in
advancing New Zealand's trade interests in Geneva.
"While there is still much work to do to advance the cause of free trade, yesterday's announcement is still a
significant step towards greater trade liberalisation. New Zealand's future prospects as an exporting nation appear to
be much brighter as a result," Mr Eckhoff said.
ENDS