Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

First Six Months Of Singapore Free Trade A Failure

Trade with Singapore has dramatically deteriorated since the Government's free trade agreement took effect in January, said the Green Party.

Statistics New Zealand figures for the six months to June reveal exports to Singapore are down 20 percent compared with the previous year imports are up 27 percent.

The trade balance for the six months was a deficit of $107.8 million.

The balance for the six months to June 2000, was a surplus of $11.4 million before the free trade agreement took effect.

"The Government's push for free trade with Singapore has got off to an appalling start," said Green Party co-leader Rod Donald.

"Instead of leading the way to an export led recovery, opening our borders has simply made us more import dependent.

"You have to wonder whether the big influx of imports represents goods which were illegally trans-shipped through Singapore to avoid paying tariffs.

"I will be fascinated to hear what excuses the apologists for free trade will come up with to justify this disaster," he said.

Ends


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.