Submission on the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Addessions Consultation

Comments on Overal Expansion of the CPTPP

Any expansion of the membership must enhance the value of the agreement. New members must be able to demonstrate that they can both meet the high standard set by CPTPP rules and market access commitments but also adhere to these rules.

We note that the UK has formally requested membership of CPTPP and that media accounts are suggesting that the Philippines may also have applied for this membership. Both are strong candidates. The UK, as a major economy, is particularly interesting. This interest suggests that CPTPP may have global rather than just regional appeal.

As an APEC member, the Philippines also has appeal, so long as it can meet the Agreement’s high standards.

Several other APEC members stand out as potential members of CPTPP in the short term. The Republic of Korea, Thailand and Taiwan stand out in particular. All have multiple FTAs with existing CPTPP members, and all have the potential to meet the Agreement’s standards.

Comments on Taiwan’s Intent to Join the CPTPP

It is clear that Taiwan has a strong interest in eventually joining CPTPP. This has been signalled on several occasions. The NZTBC strongly encourages New Zealand to support any application by Taiwan to join the CPTPP.

Taiwan has FTAs, of the highest quality, with both Singapore and New Zealand. The commitments in these agreements have been faithfully implemented and there have been no issues relating to compliance by Taiwan to its commitments. This is equally true of the commitments Taiwan has made in the WTO.

The FTAs that Taiwan has with Singapore and New Zealand were negotiated at the same time as CPTPP was being negotiated. These Agreements draw upon some CPTPP language and concepts. This should make Taiwan’s accession to CPTPP easier to accomplish...

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