Groser to meet US administration tomorrow

Trade Minister Tim Groser visits Washington tomorrow to meet members of the new administration.

Mr Groser, Associate Minister for Climate Change Issues, is to meet United States trade representative (USTR), Ron Kirk, and the US Special Envoy for Climate Change, Todd Stern during the May 12-15 visit.

Mr Groser said US leadership was critical to moving the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Doha trade negotiations forward.

"I was delighted by USTR Kirk's recent statement of commitment to concluding the round and look forward to discussing specifics when we meet," Mr Groser said.

"I will also be engaging senior US figures on their approach to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) -- an innovative FTA proposal involving eight countries, including the United States and New Zealand."

New Zealand supported the TPP which would be a platform for a wider trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region.

"I'm also looking forward to engaging with my counterparts on climate change issues. The US has a fundamentally important role to play as the international community grapples with how best to address climate change."

Chairman of the International Business Forum Graeme Harrison is going with Mr Groser.

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