Media Releases
TPP negotiations make steady progress
Stephen Jacobi
12 September 2011
Speaking from the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations in Chicago, NZ US Council Executive Director Stephen Jacobi said he was satisfied that steady progress was being made.
“Negotiators from the nine TPP partners now have a clearer idea about the shape of the final agreement. A lot of work remains to be done to refine proposals on the table and develop consensus around draft text. Negotiators are concentrating on finalising the “broad outlines” of an agreement for endorsement by Ministers and Leaders meeting at APEC in Honolulu in November”.
Mr Jacobi attended the TPP Stakeholder Forum in Chicago on 10 September, giving an address at the event and releasing a joint support in support of the negotiations with other business organisations from around the Asia Pacific region. A number of other representatives from New Zealand business and civil society also attended.
“The TPP Stakeholder Forum is an opportunity for those with interests or concerns to air their views to negotiators. The Council is happy to play its part in this public debate. Negotiators from New Zealand and elsewhere are doing their best, within the confines of a politically and commercially sensitive negotiation, to listen to stakeholder views from all sections of society”.
Mr Jacobi’s address to the Forum focused on what business wanted to see emerge in the final agreement.
“TPP can help create a more seamless economic space in the region which will reduce business costs, improve supply chain efficiency, ensure growth and create jobs. The prize in getting this right is very big and stakeholder attention, quite rightly, is very high”.
Mr Jacobi said that while business always wanted to see faster progress it was important to take the time needed to get things right.
“All parties agree on the need for a comprehensive, high quality agreement. Some issues – like market access for agricultural products, intellectual property, pharmaceuticals and investment – should not be rushed. There is no harm in the negotiation continuing in 2012 provided Ministers give some firm political direction in Honolulu”.
The ninth round of TPP negotiations is scheduled for Lima 19-28 October. APEC Leaders meet in Honolulu12-13 November.
