The government are planning to sign the re-branded Trans Pacific Partnership in Chile on March 8th. Then they will begin
the ratification process.
The TPP might have been re-branded as the CPTPP but it's still the same bad deal says Professor Jane Kelsey, New
Zealand's expert on international economic regulation.
"Calling it "Comprehensive and Progressive" doesn't make it any better.
It still contains the discredited ISDS provisions which allow foreign investors to challenge the laws and policies of a
New Zealand government in off-shore investor-state dispute settlement tribunals," she says.
It actually contains the entire old agreement, simply suspending a few
clauses pending the day when the US will want to re-join. Local activists remain firmly opposed to the CPTPP. Our
Children's Future Christchurch spokesperson gen de spa says that the concerns about Treaty rights, environmental
protection and affordable healthcare remain urgent issues for all New Zealanders.
"CPTPP is an old-fashioned agreement that privileges multinational
corporations over small, local businesses in exactly the same way as the old TPP", she says, "And it is no substitute
for a sustainable agreement that focusses on the future."
Professor Kelsey will speak on the current situation with the TPP in Christchurch at a public meeting on Wednesday 21st
February at 7pm in the Knox Church corner Bealey Ave & Victoria St.
Gen says everyone is welcome to come and hear Professor Kelsey clarify this complex issue and there will be an
opportunity for questions afterwards.