‘Plan B can save TPP post-US exit’

Wellington, Jan 23: A plan B could save the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) even if the US leaves the accord as threatened by new President Dold Trump, New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English said on Monday. English said TPP sigtory countries have started talks over the possibility of implementing the accord without the US and seek to restore it with Japan’s help, Efe news reported. “Last week, the Japanese Prime Minister (Shinzo Abe) was in Australia and was very positive about finding a way through Plan B, that is, the TPP if the US aren’t part of it,” English said.

English added that Australia was willing to ratify the accord despite a US exit and added that the protectionist message of the new US administration, led by Trump, poses a risk to New Zealand’s economy. “New Zealand’s position is pretty predictable. As a small open economy, we need to trade,” English said. (IANS)