Trade Network Happy With China's Entry Into WTO

New Zealand business will benefit from China's membership of the World Trade Organisation confirmed at the WTO meeting in Doha.

Trade Liberalisation Network Executive Director Stephen Jacobi said from Doha that concluding the long process of negotiation with China was good news for both China and New Zealand. "The rule of trade law will now be extended to the world's most populous nation and a significant trading partner for New Zealand. That means a stronger market in China, better access for our products and enhanced security for our exports".

New Zealand will not have to lower tariffs on Chinese exports to New Zealand because New Zealand already extended normal tariffs to Chinese imports. "There is no adjustment required from New Zealand but we will benefit from enhanced access for wool and other products into China", said Mr Jacobi. "Our negotiators deserve to be congratulated for their success in this negotiation".

Mr Jacobi said that support for the WTO in China contrasted with criticism of the WTO from some quarters in New Zealand. "The Chinese people are right behind the WTO which brings them more fully into the international community. This can only be positive for human rights and working conditions in China".

Mr Jacobi said that China's entry had been the high point of the WTO Doha Ministerial thus far but the main task meeting was to launch a new round of world trade negotiations. "The WTO is not perfect and can be improved. That's what the Doha meeting is all about. It remains a powerful force for good in the world creating growth and jobs and spreading the benefits of trade liberalisation to those who have been excluded" concluded Mr Jacobi.

Media note: Stephen Jacobi is a special adviser to the New Zealand delegation at the WTO Ministerial in Doha.

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