Inclusion of Canada & Mexico in TPP negotiations ‘majorly significant’ – Stephen Jacobi

At the 15th round of negotiations for TPP in Auckland, two new negotiating partners – Canada and Mexico have joined the table.

International Business Forum executive director Stephen Jacobi spoke to newzealandinc.com on the significance both nations had for New Zealand if they are brought into any future TPP agreement.

Jacobi said Canada as an economy that was close to New Zealand but had failed to see any significant growth in previous years. “TPP is a good way of incentivizing trade with New Zealand,” he said. “Mexico is a potentially significant partner for New Zealand. A partner that has caused frustration because when Mexico joined NAFTA it got better access to US producers in particular than was given to New Zealand.”

“We’re very confident with better access we can get more business done in Mexico”

Jacobi also assessed the significance of these two major economies choosing to join negotiations that have already progressed significantly. “Canada and Mexico have had to agree to everything that has been decided up until now. What we don’t want is new members becoming involved in TPP at a late stage to slow down the process.”

What happens with Mexico and Canada is important as they served as a test case as to how countries should join into talks. “Other countries who are now queuing up for TPP like Thailand, the Philippines and potentially even Japan. They can see what happens with Mexico and Canada as they join the negotiations from this onramp and how they are brought into these negotiations.”