Hon. Jim Sutton MP
Beginnings
The Minister’s greatest political experience was being involved with the
launch of negotiations on a free trade agreement with China. New Zealand is
the first country to start serious negotiations. The Minister was understandably
excited by this process. He also believes that any background is suitable for
a trade negotiator role as you can never be fully prepared for the role and
most “learn by doing”.
Agriculture
The Minister believes that “trade is always good for both parties”
He believes that New Zealand’s agricultural industry will always prosper
because of the climate, comparative advantage, efficiency, cluster of skills,
science and technology industry ”that will add value to the basic natural
resources that we have”.
Trade
Barriers
The Minister does not believe that New Zealand’s leadership role in reducing
New Zealand’s formerly protectionist trade barriers was a disadvantageous
move, even in the context of other states not following suit and lowering their
tariffs.
Other
APEC roles
The Minister believed that while in an ideal world there would be standards
for many industries that spanned state boundaries New Zealand companies have
become “expert at coping with red tape”. The Minister was cynical
about the manipulation of the APEC agendas to attract larger economies such
as the United States, an example of which is security.
Outcomes
for New Zealand
The speed of progress towards the Bogor goals was an issue which vexed The Minister
but he was pleased with the level of transparency across the APEC economies.
Although he believes there is more to do, New Zealand has achieved faster growth
rates in trade with APEC members than with the rest of the world.
Future
of APEC
The Minister sees the future of APEC as continuing to work towards the Bogor
goals under a revised timetable. He elucidated how this would provide the framework
for further movements towards free and open trade. He stressed the need for
multi-lateral agreements involving all 21 APEC economies.
Student
Thoughts
The group was impressed by the depth and breadth of The Minister’s knowledge
and were captivated by the unique vantage point offered by such a prominent
player in New Zealand’s trade future. We were particularly intrigued by
The Minister’s ability to relate personal experiences to economic theory.
Quotes
“Trade is a great provider of opportunities”
“Add value to the basic natural resourses”
“Learn by doing”
Contributed by: Ainsley Thompson, Gregor Whyte, Ethna Elizondo González, Simone Pakieto, Tarne Lane and Charlotte Becker