Former prime ministers to lead delegation to the US

Former prime ministers Jim Bolger and Mike Moore are to lead a group from business, government and academic circles aiming to improve New Zealand's relations with the United States.

They are going to Washington for the US NZ Partnership Forum from April 20-22.

Mr Bolger said the focus of the meeting went beyond a possible free trade agreement with the US.

"Instead of waiting around, we're saying yes, ultimately we want an FTA but in the short term let's get on with business."

Mr Bolger said the forum was a major non-government initiative.

Leaders from both countries would discuss key business issues and relationships with the overall aim of strengthening the friendship between New Zealand and the US, he said.

In Washington, the New Zealand delegation would be joined by a similar group of business and government representatives from the US.

Senior officials from the Bush Administration, including Commerce Undersecretary Frank Lavin and Assistant Secretary of State Chris Hill, would address the group.

The forum would be co-chaired by former US Agriculture Secretary Clayton Yeutter, and former senator and current Disney Corporation chairman George Mitchell.

Mr Bolger and Mr Moore would be co-chairmen from the New Zealand side.

"New Zealand's relevance to the US goes beyond the opportunities in our small domestic market," said Mr Bolger.

"There are even bigger opportunities for both of us arising from closer co-operation in the Asia Pacific region and in global markets."

Trade Minister Phil Goff, who also holds the defence portfolio, and Immigration Minister David Cunliffe are part of the 37-strong delegation.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters is not on the list.

National foreign affairs spokesman Murray McCully and his associate Tim Groser are part of the group.

National leader Don Brash is to include a speech to the forum as part of his programme during a two-week trip to Washington, London and Beijing.

The group includes business leaders of companies exporting goods and services to the US - including Air New Zealand, ANZCO Foods, Fonterra, Jade Corporation, NZ Post, Solid Energy and PPCS.

Other companies with US interests including Deloitte, Trends Publishing and Assignment Group were also part of the group.

The Council of Trade Unions, Business NZ, and Chambers of Commerce as well as academics, research and educational organisations were also taking part.

Mr Bolger said the US participants were those who had a direct stake in the New Zealand economy or who recognised the relevance of this country to US global interests.

He said the forum's agenda focused on identifying key trends in the Asia Pacific region and possibilities for co-operation between the private sectors in both countries.

Other issues relevant to business were also included such as security, energy and trade.

- NZPA