11 Jul 2012

Progress reported at Pacific trade talks

3:50 pm on 11 July 2012

The United States says trade negotiations with eight Pacific countries, including New Zealand, has made important progress in the latest round of talks in California.

US Trade Representative Ron Kirk says the 13th round of Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations made particular advances on 20 areas under negotiation, including customs, cross-border services and telecommunications.

Advances were also made on rules of origin, investment, financial services, temporary entry and other issues.

Negotiators representing Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam attended the talks in California.

The next round of talks is scheduled for 6-15 September in Virginia.

Mexico and Canada intend to join the TPP talks also.