9 October 2013
Bali keeps TPP on right track, say NZ businesses
The NZUS Council and NZ International Business Forum have both welcomed the progress made on the Trans Pacific
Partnership (TPP) at the Bali APEC meetings.
"TPP Leaders have confirmed that TPP is on track to deliver an ambitious, high quality and comprehensive outcome –
that's what we were looking for from these meetings," said Stephen Jacobi who has been in Bali this week. Stephen is
Executive Director of both NZUS Council and NZ International Business Forum.
Mr Jacobi said Bali was never about resolving all the remaining areas of difficulty but about narrowing the differences
and giving political direction to negotiators to get the job done by the end of the year
"TPP is still a work in progress. Negotiators have more hard talk to get through. The issues under discussion are
substantive and getting it right is important. But the Leaders' statement is pretty clear about what they expect to
happen and the business community will be watching this process and doing all it can to ensure that TPP is brought
home."
Mr Jacobi reaffirmed that while business wanted to see a conclusion to TPP by year end, substance was critical.
"TPP has the opportunity to transform the way business is done in the Asia Pacific region. Something as important as
this cannot be left to a quick fix. Negotiators will undoubtedly do their best to deliver on the Leaders' expectations
but if it takes longer then so be it."
Mr Jacobi congratulated Prime Minister John Key, Trade Minister Tim Groser and their officials for the efforts they had
made in Bali.
"New Zealand has shown great leadership this week. There is a lot at stake from a successful outcome to TPP and we can
be happy with a good week's work," said Mr Jacobi.
Note to Editors: A copy of the Bali statement can be found at http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/texttrans/2013/10/20131008284173.html
The New Zealand United States Council is committed to fostering and developing a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between New Zealand and the
United States. Founded in 2001, the Council is an advocate for the expansion of trade and economic links between the two
countries including a comprehensive free trade agreement achieved either bilaterally or in the context of an expanded
Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). The Council works closely with business groups in New Zealand and with government
agencies, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the New Zealand Embassy in Washington. For more
information, visit www.nzuscouncil.com.
About the NZ International Business Forum
NZIBF is a business organisation which aims to generate wealth for New Zealanders by helping ensure that New Zealand
enterprises are fully integrated and engaged in the global economy and New Zealand’s global competitive position is
maximised. NZIBF participants represent companies and sectors with a turnover of over $20 billion. NZIBF also provides
policy advice to the New Zealand members of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). For more information, visit www.nzibf.co.nz.
About Trade Works
Trade Works is an initiative developed by the NZ US Council and leading New Zealand business organisations to encourage
the New Zealand public to understand the benefits of trade and investment for New Zealand and the potential benefits of
TPP. For more information, visit www.tradeworks.org.nz.
ENDS