Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

US confirms: NZ's foreign policy hurts trade


US confirms: New Zealand’s foreign policy hurting trade chances

Hon Dr Lockwood Smith - National Trade Spokesperson

A far-reaching speech by US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick yesterday excluded New Zealand from a ten-point agenda for trade, says National’s Trade spokesman Lockwood Smith.

“After completing free trade agreements with Chile and Singapore, Mr Zoellick says the next step for the US will be to pursue free trade agreements with new partners such as Morocco and possibly Australia.

“Pointedly, Mr Zoellick never mentions New Zealand. He says that “The connection between trade and America’s security is often better understood overseas.” He praises Australia for contributing to regional security, and other countries that were quick to support America after September 11th.

“This is the most explicit confirmation yet that New Zealand’s lack of a relationship with the US is hurting our economic prospects.

“Mr Zoellick confirms that a trade deal with Australia is a possibility, and notes that “Australia is a great friend to America.” Even countries in Southern Africa and Central America are listed as having better prospects of a free trade deal than New Zealand.

“These comments from the US administration are disappointing, but no surprise. It is confirmation that the Labour Party’s traditional anti-Americanism is hurting our trade prospects,” said Dr Smith.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.