FFNZ Welcomes Government Investment in Trade

FFNZ Welcomes Government Investment in Trade

Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) President Tom Lambie is delighted that Government has responded to the Federation's calls to increase support for New Zealand's trade negotiations team.

"Farmers will welcome the Government's increased funding in the trade negotiations area in the lead up to WTO negotiations in Cancun, said Mr Lambie.

"The Federation has expressed ongoing concern about the under resourcing of our trade negotiations team and our efforts in the trade negotiations arena.

"Today's budget has provided for $73 million over four years to fund a range of initiatives to enhance New Zealand's trade performance plus $14.2 million over four years to support World Trade Organisation negotiations and bilateral closer economic partnerships and trade agreements.

"Trade liberalisation measures hold the key for sustained export growth. Gains from the Uruguay Round are conservatively estimated at $500 million to $600 million a year, and even greater gains are forecast if the current Doha Development Round is successful.

"Trade liberalisation is the best means of helping developing countries expand their own agriculture in order to feed their people and participate in an increasingly global environment."

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