June 30 2011

Rt. Hon Winston Peters
Leader NZ First

Back Off Free Trade With India – Peters

Rt. Hon Winston Peters has warned the prime minister against entering a free trade agreement with India because it will lead to the loss of more jobs and further damage hopes of economic growth.

This follows reported comments from John Key that his fingers are crossed that a free trade agreement with India will become a reality sooner after his meeting with India's prime minister went better than he expected.

Mr Peters says many New Zealand jobs have already been “outsourced” to India and a free trade deal with that country will only accelerate the process and leave Kiwis further out on a limb.

“India has a huge, cheap labour market. It can swamp New Zealand in a matter of days with all sorts of manufactured goods ranging from packets of Panadol to cotton shirts.

“New Zealand cannot compete against a country that has millions of lowly paid workers and it is a tragedy that this government is prepared to sell its own people down the river for the dubious benefits of a free trade deal.

“It is also nonsensical for New Zealand to pass on its expertise in dairying to another country as has been reported. New Zealand's dairy industry is a world leader and gives us a considerable edge on world markets.

“China recognises this situation and is trying to take over big chunks of the dairy industry. Why would we hand it over to India as well?” asks Mr Peters.

“The Ministry of Dumb Ideas is in overdrive under this government. It has to be stopped,” says Mr Peters.

ENDS

© Scoop Media