Wellington Chamber Welcomes Second Meeting

10 September 2007

Wellington Chamber Welcomes Second Meeting of NZ-US Partnership Dialogue

The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the commencement today of the second meeting of the NZ-US Partnership Dialogue.

“The first meeting of the Dialogue last year in Washington allowed real progress to be made in the bilateral relationship. We are hopeful that this year’s meeting will take the relationship further forward and increase chances for the eventual launch of an FTA negotiation between New Zealand and its second most important economic partner” said Chamber CEO and Forum Participant Charles Finny.

“The Forum also allows the opportunity to exchange views on a range of other issues such as the policy response to climate change, Asia Pacific economic and political security, the health of the world economy and the futures of both APEC and the WTO.

“The Forum is an excellent example of business, Government, the two main political parties, unions, academia and representatives of the media working together for the advancement of New Zealand’s interests in a crucially important relationship. We are hopeful that a similar model can be employed with regard to the Japan-New Zealand relationship.

“Late last week, senior business representatives including the Chamber, were able to hold talks with the President of Mexico on the future of that important relationship. The business community made it clear that it is firmly committed to take this relationship forward also.

“The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce is willing to continue working closely with the New Zealand and Mexican Governments to help deliver an FTA negotiation between New Zealand and Mexico also. The discussions with Mexico’s President and Foreign Minister made it clear that such a negotiation cannot take place without business playing a role in helping unblock in Mexico the remaining barriers in the way of such a negotiation,” Charles Finny concluded.

ENDS

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