Maryan STREET

Foreign Affairs, Trade and

Overseas Development Assistance Spokesperson

Thursday, 31 March 2011
MEDIA STATEMENT

Government must defend New Zealand’s interests in TPP talks

The leaked text on intellectual property, copyright and parallel importing in the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations requires an emphatic rejection from the New Zealand government, says Opposition Trade Spokesperson, Maryan Street.

“Intellectual property was always going to be one of those areas to be closely watched in the TPP negotiations. The secrecy surrounding these provisions is of real concern. The leaked United States provisions are plainly not in New Zealand’s interests. The leaked draft on medicines, copyright and patent law would increase costs for all New Zealanders,” said Maryan Street.

“If these provisions were to be adopted, they would have the effect of pushing up the price of pharmaceuticals, amongst other things. Parallel imports of branded goods such as shoes would cost more. We need the government to be explicit and unequivocal in their rejection of these clauses, especially as they affect the price of products Kiwis need,” said Maryan Street.

“At a time when the cost of living is soaring, the last thing Kiwi families need is the government agreeing to deals which make life harder, not easier,” she said.

“Trade agreements must work for Kiwis – that is the government’s responsibility when negotiating on our behalf. Labour is in favour of good trade agreements like the one with China, in which we protected New Zealand’s interests, including land sales,” she said.

ENDS

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