Street on FTAs

Maryan Street blogs:

Am off right now to Kuala Lumpur to witness the signing of the NZ-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement. This is in keeping with the Labour, and now National, tradition of the Minister of Trade inviting the Opposition Trade Spokesperson along to such events. This isn’t just good politics – it’s good business.

Our business leaders need the security of knowing the policy rug isn’t going to be pulled out from under them at the end of a short electoral cycle. This is about NZ Inc and both Labour and National get that.

Yep. If only someone could convince the Greens and Winston First, and oh yeah the Maori Party also.

Europe and the US are retreating behind protectionist doors, but there are some really encouraging movements in Asia, and we are fortunate to be their neighbours.