News

New Closer Economic Partnership Negotiations

The Government has agreed to begin discussions with the Government of Chile and Singapore for the purpose of negotiating a three way "closer economic partnership" to liberalise trade between the three countries.

The process is described as the P3 CEP.

In addition to enhancing trade access for NZ exports the goals of the P3 include promoting trade liberalisaton, enabling the development of commercial and broader linkages and ensuring that NZ's overall public policy and social goals are reflected in the final outcome. The agreement is due to be completed in November 2004.

The range of activities likely to be included within the scope of the agreement are trade in goods and services and officials have indicated that they will be seeking to include provision relating to labour, environment, intellectual property and e-commerce. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and trade is committed to fully engaging with stakeholders and has given lgnz a verbal briefing on their intentions.

Further details including updates can be sourced from the MFAT website at www.mfat.govt.nz

16 October 2003