TPPA to be inked in New Zealand next month

comments     dpa     Published     Updated

The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) trade deal is to be signed in Auckland on Feb 4, the New Zealand government said today.

New Zealand has issued invitations to ministers from TPPA member countries to ink the deal.

“Signature will mark the end of the TPPA negotiating process,” said Trade Minister Todd McClay.

“Following signature, all 12 countries will be able to begin their respective domestic ratification processes and will have up to two years to complete that before the agreement enters into force,” he said in a statement.

The TPPA includes the elimination and reduction of about 18,000 tariffs on industrial and agricultural goods, including textiles and clothing. It also encompasses rules on trade in services and financial goods and commitments on the free flow of Internet and digital commerce.

It sets out rules for patents, trademarks and other intellectual property across the trade zone, including specific provisions about pharmaceuticals, and enforces labour and environmental standards.

- dpa



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