The Employers and Manufacturers' Association says a new Indo-Pacific region supply chain agreement is a foot in the door for New Zealand.

Trade and Export Growth Minister, Damien O’Connor, has signed a 14 country-strong agreement at the APEC Trade Ministers meeting in Detroit.

O'Conner says COVID-19 shows how supply chain disruptions can impact the cost of living.

Chief Executive Brett O'Riley told Mike Hosking that India's not historically a free-trader, so to have the country on board is beneficial for New Zealand.

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