Jim Bolger

Wellington, Aug 5 NZPA - A US-NZ Partnership Forum is to be held in Washington DC in October to discuss a wide range of issues, including the global economy, trade, business innovation and security.

The forum, organised by the US-NZ Council based in Washington in association with the NZ-US Council, follows similar forums held in Washington in April 2006 and in Auckland in September 2007.

NZ-US Council chairman Jim Bolger said the New Zealand delegation would be among the most senior ever to leave the country, reflecting the importance placed on the relationship with the US.

The delegation will include ministers, senior opposition representatives, department heads and many business leaders.

A high calibre US delegation will also participate.

The forum -- from October 6-8, will be co-chaired by Mr Bolger and Mike Moore on the New Zealand side and by former US trade representative Susan Schwab and former Democrat congressman and current President of the American Chemistry Council, Cal Dooley, on the US side.