Business Forum welcomes Korean interest in TPP, Encourages progress in Bali and Singapore

The New Zealand International Business Forum has welcomed Korea's expression of interest in joining the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).

“Korea is a major partner for New Zealand. Our negotiations for a free trade agreement are well advanced. For Korea to join the other twelve partners in TPP would make sense,” said NZIBF Chairman Sir Graeme Harrison.

“The timing of Korea's admission to the negotiations will need to be further discussed. The first phase of TPP expansion is hopefully drawing to a close. The priority must be now on delivering a high quality, ambitious and comprehensive outcome. The bigger picture is that Korea's involvement in TPP will enhance the partnership’s credibility as an instrument that can deliver a new framework for trade and investment in the Asia Pacific region.”

Sir Graeme wished Trade Minister Tim Groser and his officials well as they depart for the WTO Ministerial in Bali and the TPP Ministers' meeting in Singapore.

“New Zealand has a great opportunity to show leadership in forging a consensus in the WTO meeting and bringing TPP to a close. New Zealand lives by trade. Anything that can be done in coming weeks to advance New Zealand's trading interests deserves wide encouragement and support.”

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