Dec 20, 2007

Goff Excited By Progress On US FTA Front

Further evidence of progress being made on the US FTA front is contained in an article in today's NZ Herald. Trade Minister Phil Goff is reported as saying that there was "exciting potential" in the possibility of US involvement in the agreement known as P4, although discussions were very much at a formative stage.

The Hive believes that Phil should be excited. Pulling this off, along with the China deal, the Gulf Cooperation deal and progress on all fronts bar the WTO would make Goff the most successful New Zealand Trade Minister ever. Not a bad springboard for the party leadership.

The Hive also takes note of some of Mr Goff's caution. It is clear that more work needs to be done to seal US involvement in the P4. Media should respect this by not building up expectations too high too fast.