Foreign Policy - CER
Ensure that foreign policy puts more weight on improving relationships with our traditional allies and our most important trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region
[We have] concerns about the impact of CER on the NZ economy and society. In the 17 years in which CER has been operational, there have been no NZ government studies of whether and how CER is (or is not) beneficial to NZ. Benefits promised by using the Singapore FTA as the Trojan horse for an AFTA/CER free trade zone can not be substantiated. There are no substantiated benefits to NZ consumers and producers from a free trade agreement.
Pursue the objective of a single economic market with Australia while maintaining New Zealand's sovereignty and protecting our national interests Monitor and evaluate the returns to New Zealand of closer economic partnerships and assist New Zealand firms to take full advantage of the opportunities they create
Build on CER to a new level of economic harmonisation. Work with Pacific Island nations to strengthen their skills and capacity to trade to enhance economic and political stability in the Pacific.
Enhance the special New Zealand association and interest in the South Pacific region. Review the CER process to improve transparency and accountability and to ensure [it is] in New Zealand's interest Give priority to gaining access for New Zealand apples to the Australian market and (if necessary) advancing this by referring the matter to the World Trade Organisation
Explore the benefits of a currency link with Australia