ExportNZ says the vote by the US legislature to move forward with the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement will be welcomed by New Zealand exporters.

ExportNZ Executive Director Catherine Beard said the successful conclusion of a deal would encourage more investment in export business and benefit the New Zealand economy.

Catherine Beard warned that the US move did not necessarily mean that an agreement would succeed.

“It means negotiations will now begin in earnest on the issues that have so far been hardest to agree, including the issue of market access for New Zealand’s dairy products.

“Our exporters want a high quality deal that gives us a level playing field in all the Pacific markets involved.

“For New Zealand, the deal would represent a critical boost to our international competitiveness.

“Exporters understand that we cannot afford to sit on the sidelines of international trade and see our competitiveness eroded.

“ExportNZ is backing the efforts of our negotiators as they enter the final leg of this important agreement.”