Trade Liberalisation Network At WTO In Doha

The New Zealand Trade Liberalisation Network will be strongly represented at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) meeting in Doha, Qatar , on 9 November.

TLN Board Members Alistair Polson (Federated Farmers), Nigel Mitchell (Fonterra) are attending as non-governmental delegates. TLN Executive Director Stephen Jacobi is acting as a business advisor to the Government delegation alongside other sectoral representatives from farming, labour and the environment.

TLN Chairman Brian Lynch said this representation would ensure maximum coverage and impact for TLN in Doha. "Our people will be working closely together with the government and with other like-minded NGOs to achieve the best possible outcome for New Zealand. I agree with Trade Minister Jim Sutton - it is critical at this time of recession and uncertainty that a new round of trade negotiations is launched.

Mr Lynch said that the WTO was indispensable to New Zealand's economic future. "Those groups advocating withdrawal from the WTO would consign this country to the economic rubbish bin. Far from stopping NZ from making decisions about its future, the WTO restricts other more powerful countries ability to take action that hurts our exports and economy. New Zealand exporters need this round to improve rules that govern international trade and to reduce barriers in major trading partners.

While in Doha, Stephen Jacobi will attend a workshop on strategies to support trade, growth, and the WTO. The workshop is being organised by the Australian APEC Centre, Melbourne and The International Policy Network, London.

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