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On October 8, DPJ President Banri Kaieda met with a delegation led by the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives David Carter at party headquarters.
At the start of the meeting, Kaieda welcomed Carter, commenting, "The relationship between Japan and New Zealand is an important one." He also touched on his experiences during his time serving as Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, saying "The TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) meeting is currently taking place in Bali, and I would also like us to engage in frank discussion regarding the TPP."
Carter stated, "We have eight political parties in our parliament and four of them are represented in our delegation. One thing I can say we have in common with the DPJ is that we have shared the frustration of being in opposition." He went on to say that he would like to discuss the implications of the TPP and was keen to hear Kaieda's views on the timetable for conclusion of negotiations and the impact on Japan's primary industry.
Following this, the two sides discussed agricultural policies and response to the TPP, including the procedure for ratifying the treaty in the national parliament. The meeting was also attended by Executive Office Director-General Satoshi Arai and International Department Director-General Kaname Tajima.
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