MEDIA RELEASE THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR TRADE

24 SEPTEMBER 1997

DEPUTY PM TO MEET NEW ZEALAND TRADE MINISTER

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Mr Tim Fischer, announced today that he will meet his New Zealand counterpart, Dr Lockwood Smith, in Canberra for annual trade talks on 24-25 September.

Mr Fischer said the talks underscored the Government's strong commitment to the Closer Economic Relations (CER) agreement with New Zealand, and the importance of the trans-Tasman partnership. Immediately before the talks, ministers will meet with senior trans-Tasman business representatives for a discussion of CER priorities.

"The trade partnership between Australia and New Zealand is of fundamental importance to both of us. It is central to the way we each achieve our global and regional trade objectives, and ensure the world is open to our exports", Mr Fischer said.He noted that over the last ten years, annual growth in trans-Tasman merchandise trade has averaged 11.6%. New Zealand is also the largest market for Australia's manufactured goods exports. This is important for Australian jobs.

Mr Fischer added that the meeting provides an opportunity to coordinate approaches on important multilateral and regional matters, including the forward management of the WTO and APEC agendas.

Note to Chiefs of Staff and News Editors: A joint press conference will follow Mr Fischer's meeting with Dr Smith at 11.15 am Thursday 25 September in the Treaties Room of the Department of Foregin Affairs and Trade, R.G. Casey Building, John McEwen Cres, Barton, ACT.

For further information contact: David Kelly (02) 6277 7420/018 691 178 or Tony Melville (02) 6261 1555

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