TPP critics urge for transparency on EU talks
Updated at 8:56 pm on 4 March 2016
Trans Pacific Partnership critics fear trade-talks between the government and European Union will be kept secret, just as they were with the TPP agreement.
Trade Minister Todd McClay hopes to start negotiations with New Zealand's third largest trade partner next year. TPP critics are calling for the government to ensure it is a transparent process.
While the Trans Pacific Partnership is not yet done and dusted, the government already has its eye on the next prize - a free trade deal with the $20 trillion European Union.
But while the talks may mirror the TPP in some ways, critics are demanding that secrecy is not one of them.
The economist at the Council of Trade Unions, Bill Rosenberg, wants a more inclusive approach, and said the government cannot ignore civic society in the way it did during the TPP negotiations.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/298141/tpp-critics-urge-for-transparency-on-eu-talks