Green Party Co-Leader Rod Donald today welcomed the transformation of the Ministry of Commerce into the Ministry for Economic Development.

"The Green Party is pleased with the Government's hands-on approach to create jobs," said Mr Donald.

However Mr Donald said it was vital that any initiatives taken by the ministry put the New Zealand economy on an ecologically sustainable footing.

"We want jobs with a long-term future which enhance rather than deplete the environment," he said.

Mr Donald also said that to generate jobs and tackle the current account deficit, the ministry would need to have a strong 'Buy Local' focus.

"This must start with the Government taking their own 'hands-on approach'," he said. "The Government must take the lead by making a firm commitment to purchase goods and services from New Zealand suppliers."

"We are concerned that any regional development programme will fall flat unless the Government has a strategy to deal with the flood of cheap manufacturing imports which have put people out of work and forced many provincial businesses to close."

ENDS

Rod Donald MP: 470-6660 or 025-507 183 Gina Dempster, Press Secretary: 470 6723 or 021-1265 289

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