Meat & Wool NZ urge WTO gains must not to be lost

Media Release

_30 July 2008

Meat & Wool New Zealand urge WTO gains must not to be lost

_Meat & Wool New Zealand is bitterly disappointed that the World Trade Organisation talks in Geneva have collapsed without final agreement being reached, but optimistic that common ground had been agreed in many areas.

Chairman, Mike Petersen said he was very encouraged by Trade Minister, Phil Goff’s comments that agreement had been broadly reached around the cutting and capping of trade distorting subsidies by major agriculture producers, cuts to tariffs and the elimination of agricultural export incentives.

“Phil Goff and his team are to be congratulated for the progress they have made and we must keep working to ensure that these gains are locked down. However, we urge all parties to continue to work on the differences that still exist, to enable a successful outcome to the Doha Round.”

Mr Petersen said this was not the end and Meat & Wool New Zealand would remain committed to supporting moves to reduce trade barriers when the Doha Development Round reconvenes.

ENDS

© Scoop Media