Steady progress on TPP says Jacobi
Negotiators from the nine TPP partners now have a clearer idea about the shape of the final agreement.
New Zealand US Council executive director Stephen Jacobi, who attended a TPP stakeholder forum in Chicago on September 10 that ran alongside TPP negotiations, said negotiators from the nine TPP partners now had a clearer idea about the shape of the final agreement.
However, a lot of work still had to be done to refine the proposals on the table and develop consensus around the draft text.
Negotiators are concentrating on finalising the broad outlines of an agreement for endorsement by ministers and leaders meeting at Apec in Honolulu in November, Mr Jacobi said.
Mr Jacobi addressed the forum on what business wanted to see emerge in the final agreement.
“TPP can help create a more seamless economic space in the region, which will reduce business costs, improve supply chain efficiency, ensure growth and create jobs.
“The prize in getting this right is very big and stakeholder attention, quite rightly, is very high.”
However, while business always wanted to see faster progress, it was important to take the time needed to get things right, he said.
“All parties agree on the need for a comprehensive, high quality agreement. Some issues – like market access for agricultural products, intellectual property, pharmaceuticals and investment – should not be rushed.
“There is no harm in the negotiation continuing in 2012, provided ministers give some firm political direction in Honolulu.”
The ninth round of TPP negotiations is scheduled for Lima October from October 19 to October 28.
Apec Leaders meet in Honolulu on November 12 and November 13.
Colin Williscroft
Mon, 12 Sep 2011
Mon, 12 Sep 2011
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Steady progress on TPP says Jacobi
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