Auckland is about to host India and other countries for negotiations on a massive trade agreement—the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The negotiations will be held at Sky City from June12 to18.
RCEP negotiations started in November 2012 with the participation of New Zealand, Australia, India, China, Japan, South Korea and the 10 ASEAN nations. India is under pressure to reduce tariffs, agree stronger patent rights, open up service sectors, and agree to a mechanism that would allow foreign investors to sue India in an international tribunal. RCEP would be the first trade agreement between India and New Zealand.
There has been controversy in New Zealand over the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), particularly over the restrictions on government powers to regulate the economy. Legislation needed to implement the TPPA is in New Zealand Parliament, but the future of TPPA is in doubt due to strong opposition in the US. The RCEP negotiations include many of the same issues as the TPPA.
There will be public meetings to discuss the negotiations, with a panel of New Zealand and international experts, to be held at:
• 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, at Massey University in Wellington, Theatre 10A02 Buckle St
• 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 17, at St Matthew in the City (corner Hobson and Wellesley St) in Auckland