By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 23:01:56 +0000

Indeed, many are angry over the contents of this agreement, especially the ability of foreign companies to sue the NZ government.

However, I suspect most of the reason for negotiating the agreement in public is due to the economic illiteracy of the NZ public, and the inevitable backlash against a Government that is strongly pursuing a neoliberal agenda. The Government has had widespread protests and opposition over the partial privatization of state assets, and much of the country is against further liberalization of the economy, despite voting in National last election – a glorified popularity contest.

This is obvious from your included quote from the NZ textile industry – especially this line. “He says it would be “reprehensible” if the government signed a deal that doesn’t support local jobs.” Those of us who understand economics know this is blatantly false – almost all of NZ will benefit from a free trade agreement, less these industries, which obviously have reason to complain – they are being out competed by foreign companies, and wish for NZ to retain some of its last protectionist policies. History has shown us (NZ) we all benefit after liberalization of trade, especially the still widely unpopular 1984 reforms of Roger Douglas.

While there may be genuine cause for concern over some of the clauses in the agreement, most of the secrecy results from National attempting to liberalize the economy as best as possible – they’re not stupid enough to do it publicly and risk the protesting like the Asset Sales situation., hence the need for secrecy.

Comments on: Leaked TPP Chapter Throws NZ Government into Damage Control

By: Anonymous