Media Statement

2 June 2010

Commonwealth parliamentary workshop in Apia

Two New Zealand parliamentarians will attend a four-day Commonwealth Parliamentary Association workshop in Apia, Samoa from today, on trade and trade policy with a focus on the Pacific.

Shane Ardern, MP, National, delegation leader, and Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, MP, Labour, will join 25 other parliamentarians from Commonwealth countries in the Pacific to discuss trade issues in the region.

“The focus will be on developing our knowledge and understanding of trade policy issues and exchange information on the topic to the benefit of all the countries in the Pacific,” Shane Ardern said.

“Legislators are required to debate highly technical issues and concepts associated with trade and a strong understanding of principles and concepts is important,” he said.

The workshop will also consider a framework for a manual for Commonwealth parliamentarians on trade and trade policy.

“The workshop will be a valuable opportunity to participate in discussions that will include an oversight of Pacific issues in the context of a Commonwealth-wide discussion,” he said.

Costs for the workshop are being met by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

ENDS