Trade Rules Ok !

Media Release – 3 July 2002 www.tln.org.nz
Embargoed until 5.30 pm 3 July

Expanding trade and creating better trade rules are vital for New Zealand’s prosperity says the Trade Liberalisation Network in a new publication “Trade Rules OK!” released in Nelson today.

‘Trade Rules OK’ was launched at a function hosted by TLN founder member, Sealord Group Limited. “This was Sealord’s opportunity to explain to its community why global trade benefits Nelson. But the benefits of expanded trade and better trade rules extend more widely to New Zealand and beyond, particularly to developing countries”, said TLN Executive Director Stephen Jacobi.

”Too few New Zealanders – including politicians - understand the importance of trade and the urgent need for trade reform. Trade rules the New Zealand economy and New Zealand benefits from agreed rules for international trade enshrined in the World Trade Organisation”.

Mr Jacobi said New Zealand’s attempts to get into the top half of the OECD growth table would be frustrated if there was not more attention paid to trade liberalisation. “New Zealand exports have boomed under trade liberalisation over the past 20 years but still face $900 million in import duties in overseas markets and at least $1 billion of non-tariff barriers. New Zealand’s GDP would increase by 4 percent a year if just half of the barriers to our trade were removed.”

‘Trade Rules OK’ is about reminding politicians not to overlook this critical aspect of policy. Six out of every ten jobs is related to trade in some way. And trade reform benefits Maori – because their business ventures are concentrated in fishing, forestry and agriculture where barriers are highest”, concluded Mr Jacobi.

Copies of ‘Trade Rules OK’ can be obtained from the TLN office info@tln.org.nz or 04 914 6320. A PDF file of the publication is attached.

For further information
Stephen Jacobi, TLN Executive Director, cell 021 490 974
Brian Lynch, TLN Chairman, cell 0274 452 958

www.tln.org.nz

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