Next phase in bid for closer Tasman ties

Press, 8 September 1980, Page 4

Next phase in bid for closer Tasman ties

PA Wellington The next phase in New Zealand’s bid to achieve closer economic, relations with Australia■ — talks with national organisations and commercial interests — iwill begin soon. ■ The Acting Prime Minister (Mr Taiboys) said that the Government ' now wanted information-’and assessments from the private sector .to enable it to reach a, balanced judgment. ,< New Zealand’s national organisations would be approached this month, .he said. “The consultations will relate primarily. to the tariff and access treatment that could be accorded to goods, in terms of the gradual and progressive liberalisation of Tasman trade that would occur under a move to closer economic relations.” Mr Talb’oys gave details of the approach to categorising goods .in Tasman trade. -Some-products could move to immediate duty-free treatment, e.g., those with a tariff of 10 per cent or less. Another category would phase out over five years in equal annual steps.

Yet another group would be deferred because of Special reasons. These could in-;. elude, but not necessarily* be limited to, where an official industry inquiry. . planned, or in progress.,', 1 » 4 • Where access was restricted by import quotas -’apply-, ing to the two. categories pt goods committed to dutyfree treatment, this would be accorded where ■ trade Twas already .increasing - 12:-per cent annually in real' terms? Where no trade existed,"'a base would .be established and this formula applied.T . Both categories were to. be of sufficient size to - give commercial viability?,: Said Mr Talbbys. He urged all parties wishing to be associated with;the consultations to prepare to be ready for detailed discussions- when the - time arose.' : : 'o' I ’.' ■

Mr TalboyS emphasised that no decision had: been taken by either Government on what..might be 'the, final outcome.

“This political decision can only be taken. after all these, studies have been completed, and both Governments have had the opportunity to consider- them land their implications,”; he said.