Media Release - Wednesday 28 January

TLN to visit US and Europe - What's happening?

Trade Liberalisation Network, Executive Director, Suse Reynolds leaves this Friday for Washington, London, Brussels, Paris, Geneva and Singapore.

In the wake of the World Trade Organisation's Ministerial meeting collapse in Cancun last year Reynolds will be looking for answers to "where to from here".

"I am looking forward to speaking not only to politicians and senior officials but also to meeting with a cross section of G20 developing country delegations and non-governmental organisations to gauge their commitment to the Doha Round," said Reynolds.

"I want to ask some pointed questions about the likelihood of meaningful liberalisation in areas which mean the most to New Zealand business. Agriculture and forestry will therefore be at the top of my agenda," Reynolds added.

Reynolds will also take soundings on the increasing role of bilateral and regional trade agreements.

"To what extent are these lesser trading agreements undermining efforts to achieve multilateral trade liberalisation? Should we be worried about fortress mentalities developing or is the main motivation to create surer access to foreign markets?" she asks.

If better access is the driving force, the Doha Round is far from doomed according to Reynolds.

ENDS

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