National MP to join Clark at Beijing free trade signing

The National Party is taking a bi-partisan approach to the Free Trade Agreement with China which will be signed next month, and in return it is going to get a piece of the action in Beijing.

- NZPA understands National MP Tim Groser has been invited to join Prime Minister Helen Clark and Trade Minister Phil Goff on the trip.

Mr Groser was New Zealand's top international trade negotiator before he became an MP.

National has stood alongside the Government in supporting the FTA in the face of criticism from minor parties who have been saying it is affecting New Zealand's response to China's actions in Tibet.

The Green Party has called for the FTA to be scrapped in protest against the suppression of pro-independence demonstrations in Tibet.

It is National's policy to support free trade agreements generally.

- NZPA