14 May 2007

NZ US Council welcomes US bipartisan agreement on trade

The New Zealand United States Council today welcomed the new consensus in US trade policy which has been announced in Washington.

NZ US Council Executive Director Stephen Jacobi said the bipartisan agreement between the Republican Administration and the Democrat controlled Congress was a significant development.

"This agreement effectively keeps the United States in the game as far as trade agreements are concerned. While it does not lead automatically to a new trade negotiating authority for the President, it does allow several agreements already negotiated to be ratified. It also gives confidence to US trade partners that American trade policy will continue to move forward."

The new agreement provides for labour and environmental issues to be included as an integral part of US free trade agreements.

"While these new provisions may discourage some potential free trade partners, New Zealand is well placed to negotiate a model agreement including labour and the environment. We will continue to make this case strongly together with our partners in the United States" said Mr Jacobi.

ENDS

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