New Zealand PM seeks to leverage TPP in talks with U.S. leaders
Xinhua, March 30, 2016 Adjust font size:
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will be discussing ways of boosting trade with the United States in talks this week with U.S. economic and trade leaders.
Key said Wednesday he would spend the next two days in Washington, meeting with Federal Reserve chair Dr Janet Yellen, Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Secretary of Treasury Jack Lew.
He would also address the United States Chamber of Commerce.
"These meetings are a good opportunity to seek their perspective on the global and U.S. economies," Key said in a statement.
"The U.S. is a key economic partner for New Zealand, so I am looking forward to discussing ways of increasing trade between our two countries, including under the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)," he said.
The TPP -- signed by 12 member nations in Auckland last month -- would be New Zealand's first free trade agreement with the U.S., New Zealand's third largest trading partner.
"It not only provides the foundation for a significant growth in trade between New Zealand and the United States, but it will also enhance trade and economic cooperation among Asia-Pacific countries," Key said.
Key was also in Washington to attend the fourth and final Nuclear Security Summit. Endit