Road shows to clarify TPP

The Government-run roadshows on the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement start next month with one being held in Dunedin on March 14.

The trade agreement, signed in Auckland on February 4 by the 12 participating countries, has been the cause of major protests around the country and the road shows are likely to attract more attention from those opposing the agreements.

Trade Minister Todd McClay said yesterday the roadshows would build on the large amount of information the Government had made available on the TPP, including the full text of the agreement, detailed fact sheets and sectoral outcomes, and background analysis.

Each road show would include an overview information session, followed by workshops on specific areas of the TPP.

For businesses, it would be an opportunity to learn about outcomes in the TPP that were directly relevant to their areas of specialty markets.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would also conduct hui in February and March to discuss the trade agreement with Maori.

Disagreement among Maori over the TPP led to Prime Minister John Key not attending Waitangi Day commemorations at Te Tii Marae when his speaking rights were withdrawn by marae trust members.

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