Statement Regarding US-NZ FTA

Press Release by US Embassy, Wellington 4:36pm, 23rd May 2003

There has been much comment in the press regarding the prospects for a free trade agreement between the United States and New Zealand and about recent comments made by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick.

As we have repeatedly stated, New Zealand's desire for an FTA is understood, and the issue has been discussed by our two governments on several occasions.

The United States is not prepared to enter into FTA negotiations with New Zealand at this time, though we have not ruled out the possibility of an FTA with New Zealand at some point in the future.

The United States takes into account a wide range of factors when examining the merits of potential FTAs. These factors include trade, political, security and other elements of the bilateral relationship. Contrary to recent suggestions in the press here, U.S. decisions on free trade agreements are not based solely on any one factor.

ENDS

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