New Zealand Government Downplays TPP WikiLeaks Issue, US Congress Suggest Major Opposition

New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser is attempting to downplay the issues plaguing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks after WikiLeaks revealed a controversial chapter and an obstacle to get a U.S. deal passed by Congress without problems.

According to reports, three versions of the intellectual property chapter have previously been leaked in the past with the latest revealed to The Herald by Nicky Hager. The recent information leak was taken from a round of negotiations in August.

The TPP leak highlighted the gap growing between the U.S. and New Zealand, including 11 other nations. Copyright, medicines and parallel importing were among the hotly debated issues.

Mr Groser said New Zealand's state-owned drug-buying organisation, Pharmac, was non-negotiable. He said the deal will benefit New Zealand and boost exports annually by $5 billion. The TPP leak came after a setback for U.S. President Barack Obama.

U.S. Trade Representative Mike Froman has worked with plans to rally support from Congress for the deal to pass smoothly under the provisions of the Trade Promotion Authority. The deal could not be changed but can only be rejected or approved once it is in the House or Senate.

Members of Congress sent two letters to Mr Obama suggesting a major opposition to TPA provisions, especially those in the House of Representatives.

New Zealand Greens co-leader Russel Norman said if Mr Obama cannot fast-track authority, the deal will have become "more anti-New Zealand" for Congress to approve it.

New Zealand First's Winston Peters wondered why the people rely on WikiLeaks to determine the truth about the "secretive deal."

The Trans Pacific Partneship negotiations started in March 2010 after President Obama endorsed the commitment of George W. Bush. The negotiations began as part of a free trade agreement between Singapore and New Zealand.

The agreement turned into the formation of the Pacific 4 (P4) when Brunei and Chile joined New Zealand and Singapore. The United States is leading the negotiations for the deal to push through.

Twelve countries have joined the TPP namely: U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Singapore, Japan, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.