Event Summary
New Zealand's Minister of Trade and Defense, Phil Goff, spoke at the Peterson Institute June 9, 2008, to discuss "Evolving Asia Pacific Regionalism: Challenges and Opportunities." His speech covered regional economic integration in Asia, including the East Asian Summits; transpacific economic developments, including APEC and the "P4" initiative recently joined by the United States; and New Zealand's own recent free trade agreement with China. The Minister also discussed Asia Pacific regional security issues. The Institute held the event in cooperation with the United States–New Zealand Council, which promotes closer ties between the two countries, and the New Zealand Embassy.
As trade minister, Mr. Goff's priorities have been to achieve a successful Doha Round to stimulate new trade and economic opportunities and to advance New Zealand's free trade agenda through negotiation of new trade agreements. Mr. Goff was previously New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister of Justice.
Event Materials
Prepared Remarks: Evolving Asia Pacific Regionalism: Challenges and Opportunities
Phil Goff, Minister of Trade and Defense of New Zealand
June 9, 2008