High Powered NZ Delegation For US NZ Forum

Media release 5 August 2009 – EMBARGOED UNTIL 6 PM

High Powered New Zealand Delegation To Attend US NZ Partnership Forum In Washington

NZ US Council Chairman, Rt Hon Jim Bolger, announced today that a high-powered New Zealand delegation would travel to Washington DC to participate in the third US NZ Partnership Forum being held from 6 – 8 October.

The Partnership Forum, which is being organised by the US NZ Council based in Washington in association with the NZ US Council, will follow up on the success of two earlier Forums held in Washington in April 2006 and in Auckland in September 2007.

Speaking at a reception for the NZ US Parliamentary Friendship Group in Wellington this evening, Rt Hon Jim Bolger said the New Zealand delegation would be among the most senior ever to leave New Zealand.

“The calibre of this delegation is a reflection of the importance that New Zealand places on its relationship with the US.”

The delegation will include Ministers, senior Opposition representatives, department heads together with many of New Zealand’s business leaders. A high calibre US delegation will also participate.

“This year’s Partnership Forum will be particularly important given the need to establish links with the new Obama Administration and to encourage the US to confirm its participation in Trans Pacific trade negotiations”.

The US NZ Partnership Forum brings together senior representatives of both countries from government, business, academia and the wider community. The three-day event will involve discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest including the global economy, trade, business innovation and security.

The Forum will be Co-chaired by Rt Hon Jim Bolger and Rt Hon Mike Moore on the New Zealand side and by former US Trade Representative Susan Schwab and former Democrat Congressman and current President of the American Chemistry Council, Cal Dooley, on the US side.

ENDS

About the NZUS Council – www.nzuscouncil.com
The NZ US Council is a non partisan body funded by both business and the Government to promote New Zealand’s broader relationship with the US. Two-way trade with the US is valued at over $8 billion and the US is a leading source of investment, innovation and business ideas. In September 2008 the US announced it would negotiate with New Zealand, Chile, Singapore and Brunei to join the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). Negotiations were put on hold in March 2009 pending a policy review.

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