16 FEBRUARY 2016

Submissions called on the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement

The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee has called for public submissions on the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

The submission deadline is Friday, 11 March 2016.

Standing Orders require that Parliament examine international treaties that are subject to ratification by New Zealand. The Committee will review the TPPA, the government's national interest analysis and public feedback, and will report back to Parliament in May 2016.

The TPPA has attracted significant controversy, and debate is likely to continue through the Committee process. But scope for change is limited as New Zealand signed the TPPA on 4 February, and the Government has the numbers it needs to ratify the deal.

Given the range of publicly-expressed views and positions on the TPPA, however, the Committee's report may have an important signalling effect.

We are happy to assist you to prepare a submission.

Chapman Tripp regularly comments and advises on international trade and investment law issues. Our latest commentary on the TPPA is available here.

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