The Wireless

Trans Pacific tension

08:41 am on 11 December 2013

New Zealand's Trade Minister Tim Groser says he remains optimistic that agreement on a Trans Pacific Partnership could be concluded within six months, but the deal could still fall apart.

Talks in Singapore, where it was hoped a deal would be reached, have concluded without an agreement, but Groser told Morning Report there is momentum and further meetings are likely within weeks.

He said he's confident that a deal will be reached, but acknowledged there is a risk of failure, especially if the talks drag into the presidential election cycle in the United States.

He said vital clauses regarding intellectual property rights and health are being hammered out clause by clause, but New Zealand won't compromise its own interests to get a deal.