Submissions due - WTO

Peace Movement Aotearoa

Trade Minister Seeks Public Submissions On New WTO
Thursday, 8 April 1999, 3:27 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government

Trade Minister Lockwood Smith is seeking public comment to assist the Government in formulating New Zealand's approach to new multilateral trade negotiations.

World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations on trade in agriculture and services are due to start at the end of 1999. The WTO members will also decide later this year whether to launch a new round of comprehensive negotiations, which would cover a broader range of trade issues.

"These multilateral trade negotiations in the WTO would be critically important for New Zealand," said Dr Smith.

"Trade in goods and services accounts for 30 percent of New Zealand's economic activity. Increasing access for our products through the WTO means more jobs, and increased prosperity for New Zealanders.

"As we move toward a new WTO negotiating round, we must be sure that we have identified the opportunities and risks for New Zealand, and that we're well placed to promote our national interests," said Dr Smith.

"Trade negotiations are often perceived as a closed shop. I'm keen to encourage wider participation as we formulate our approach to the WTO round, and my officials are currently consulting with the private sector, Maori and other interested groups across the country. This invitation for public comment is an extension of that process," said Dr Smith.

The deadline for receipt of submissions is 14 May 1999. Submissions should be addressed to the Director, Trade Negotiations Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Private Bag 18-901, Wellington.

Further information on the WTO and a new round of negotiations is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Web site at: http://www.mft.govt.nz/foreign/wto.html

and comment on this ...

From: janice To: janice@ihug.co.nz Date: Monday, 12 April 1999 3:03
Subject: Trade Minister Seeks Submissions On MAI and WTO


Please feel free to make a submission to the NZ Trade Minister Lockwood Smith re: the MAI and the WTO, whether you belong to an NGO group, a specifically mai-not group, a political party oppposed to the MAI, or as individuals.

It is important to note that it was the NZ government were very instrumental in ensuring that environmental protections, labour protections, and human rights protections were NOT written into the MAI, at the OECD and who continue to express opposition.

It is just a matter of sending an email,or a fax or letter outlining your concerns. The deadline for receipt of submissions is 14 May 1999. Submissions should be addressed to the Director, Trade Negotiations Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Private Bag 18-901, Wellington.

Helpful Addresses:
from www.cabinet.govt.nz I get international.trade@ministers.govt.nz
from www.national.org.nz I get lockwood.smith@national.org.nz
you could also try lockwood.smith@national.org.nz


Further information on the WTO and a new round of negotiations is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Web site at: http://www.mft.govt.nz/foreign/wto.html

Meanwhile I and others will be making demands at a local level for all international submissions to be registered and heard at any submission hearing or taken into account at any decison-making process, by the NZ Government..

Kind Rgds
Janice

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