While business and tourism from New Zealand to Hawaii had increased substantially in recent years, "New Zealand businesses have found that the lack of access to E-1 and E-2 visas has hampered their ability to increase trade and investment in the US".
Ambassador to the US Mike Moore said it was hoped Congress would recognise the mutual benefits of the bill and pass it as quickly as possible.
McCully said the Government regularly heard from businesses, "that the lack of E-1 and E-2 visa access is a significant impediment to doing business and investing in the US".
"This legislation has the potential to significantly increase trade and commerce between our two countries."
US welcome mat out
NZ business people are set to gain access to:
• E-1 Visas: Allowing foreign nationals to visit the US to engage in trade such as international banking, technology development or tourism.
• E-2 visa: Allowing visits to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which they have invested substantial capital.
