This is the transcript of the speech given by the Treasurer, Peter Costello, to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Closer Economic Relations Agreement between Australia and New Zealand.
Speech by Treasurer Peter Costello to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.
I would like to thank the Auckland Chamber of Commerce for the invitation to speak to you this morning.
Australia and New Zealand are much more than good neighbours. We are, in many respects, siblings with a common heritage and a shared future. And like many sibling relationships there is a good deal of rivalry that is competitive, sometimes ferociously competitive, but I hope, ultimately friendly.
Australia and New Zealand developed along broadly similar lines as raw material exporters with strong connections to Britain.
Both were blessed with extensive natural resources that allowed international trade in imperishable, high value agricultural outputs and gold.