Trade deal still on table
Dominion Post, Wellington
Trade deal still on table
9 April 2009
A Trans-Pacific trade deal opening the door to freer trade with the United States is in the balance after top-level meetings in Washington.
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully flew out of Washington last night after a meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in which she praised the relationship as "the best it has been in 25 years".
Talks toward a free trade deal between New Zealand, the US, Chile and Singapore were due to get under way about now, but the US elections and a change of administration have delayed them until a review of US trade policy is completed.
Mr McCully said yesterday he had stressed its importance to New Zealand in talks with Ms Clinton. He was encouraged by the "outward-looking and positive statements" made by the new administration on trade.
Afghanistan was also discussed ; the US wants an increase in troops and civilians. While New Zealand has avoided committing more troops until a review of its Afghanistan policy, Mr McCully signalled an increased civilian effort would be considered.