NZ finds powerful free-trade allies in Congress

By FRAN O'SULLIVAN assistant editor

The chairmen of five powerful United States congressional committees have written to President George W. Bush urging a free trade agreement with New Zealand.

"With your commitment to reassert our global leadership in expanding trade [we] hope you will agree that we should begin a dialogue with New Zealand for a comprehensive free trade agreement," the letter says.

It was organised by Republican congresswoman Jennifer Dunn and Phil Crane, the Republican chair of the trade subcommittee.

"In all the major conflicts of the past century, New Zealand stood as one of our strongest allies," the pair said. "They share our commitment to democratic values and are a partner in expanding trade liberalisation."

Other Republican committee chairmen to countersign the initiative include David Dreier (House rules committee), Henry Hide (international relations), Porter Goss (intelligence) and Doug Bereuter (international monetary policy and trade subcommittee).

Foreign Minister Phil Goff said the letter was the strongest element so far to register New Zealand's desire for a free trade agreement. The letter has support from the Republican and Democratic parties. It is backed by what Mr Goff calls "21 quality names."

Australian Prime Minister John Howard will discuss a bilateral trade deal with President Bush in Washington next month.

Mr Goff said that the message he had received on Capitol Hill "is that American congressmen see the two countries pretty closely together".

"The Australians have chosen to move in advance of New Zealand and to do it unilaterally.

"But they have also indicated they would be sympathetic to New Zealand coming in on their coat-tails."