Encouraging Progress on Doha But Lot of Work Ahead

NEW ZEALAND TRADE LIBERALISATION NETWORK

www.tln.co.nz

Media release – 29 January 2007

Encouraging Progress on Doha But Lot of Work Ahead

The Trade Liberalisation Network (TLN) today welcomed news that Trade Ministers meeting at Davos had agreed to restart the Doha trade negotiations.

TLN Chairman Stephen Jacobi said there was no greater trade priority for New Zealand than Doha and the way ahead required a lot of hard work by Ministers, officials and their business supporters.

"Phil Goff and his colleagues have done a good job at Davos but it remains to be seen whether the technical work can be completed within the next few months and before the expiry of Trade Promotion Authority in the United States at the end of June. That’s a big ask, given the work that remains to be done."

Mr Jacobi cautioned against quick fixes in bringing the negotiation to a close.

"New Zealand needs to be careful to ensure its key interests in reducing global tariffs and subsidies on dairy and meat products, as well as tariffs on fish and forest products are met in any conclusion to the round. New Zealand has other interests also in services and manufactured goods".

"A successful round is not just one which is completed. It needs to lead to new business opportunities for both developing and developed countries.

Business and government will need to keep a close eye on the detail of the negotiation as it proceeds."

ENDS

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