BOOSTING TRADE TIES

On Monday I got back from a successful trip to Japan for the APEC Summit. Leaders from the Asia-Pacific region's 21 economies were there. We talked about how we can work together to increase economic growth, and we made progress on trade.

I enjoyed meeting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. We agreed to start negotiations on a free trade agreement between New Zealand and Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. President Medvedev told me he really enjoys New Zealand wine, so I'm going to send him a bottle soon.

I also had a good chat to Chilean President Sebastian Pinera about how proud they were as a country to get the 33 miners out safely last month. And it was good to talk to President Barack Obama again, and hear how enthusiastic he is about the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

CREATING JOBS

I spoke about overseas investment at the Federated Farmers National Council on Wednesday. You can read my speech here.

Kiwi families benefit from overseas investment. It helps create jobs, boost incomes, and grow our economy.

However, I know that some of you are worried about overseas ownership, particularly of New Zealand land. I share your concerns and that's why the Government recently reviewed our strict criteria for overseas investors. We've made some small changes to make sure the rules strike the right balance.

With the right rules in place, overseas investment will continue to benefit New Zealand.

BUILDING ON THE RECOVERY

Yesterday Bill English gave a speech about the recovery of our economy. He talked about National's plan to grow the economy through savings, exports, and investment, and help Kiwi families get ahead. You can read the speech here.

Read a one-page summary of our comprehensive plan for economic growth here.

HELPING THE KIWIFRUIT INDUSTRY

The Government is committed to helping the kiwifruit industry fight the Psa vine infection that has been found in some orchards. The kiwifruit industry is one of our brightest primary sector industries. It's worth $1.5 billion to our economy.

On Wednesday Biosecurity Minister David Carter announced that we are committing $25 million to help fund an urgent and aggressive containment strategy. This is subject to a dollar-for-dollar match from the kiwifruit industry, and it will see $50 million going towards tackling this serious disease.
MANA BY-ELECTION THIS SATURDAY

Yesterday I spent an afternoon in the Mana electorate with National MP Hekia Parata, ahead of tomorrow's by-election. It was good to chat to some of the locals. Hekia is an excellent MP. She's been working hard in the electorate and listening to local concerns.
Click here to see photos of my visit to Mana yesterday.

FROM MY DIARY

I was in Nelson yesterday to speak at the Aquaculture New Zealand conference. Today I've had a day in Dunedin, and I'm off to Auckland tonight to present the inaugural Prime Minister's Pacific Island Youth Awards.

I'd like to congratulate my Helensville electorate Youth MP Sylvie Admore from Carmel College. Sylvie was a great Youth MP, and she recently came joint third place in the New Zealand Business and Parliament Trust's video competition for Youth MPs. You can read more about the competition here.

SHARE YOUR VIEWS

National is working hard to secure a brighter future for you and your family. I want to hear your views on what we're doing and how we're going. Click here to comment on this newsletter, or post a comment on my Facebook page. I also encourage you to tell your friends and family about Key Notes. They can sign up to receive Key Notes at www.johnkey.co.nz.

ENDS

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