Groser stands firm on TPP promises

(3 News)
(3 News)

Trade Minister Tim Groser has tackled his critics with a promise New Zealanders won't pay more for medicine if the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) goes ahead.

New Zealand won't sign without progress for dairy farmers and Mr Groser admits the longer that takes, the less likely it is any deal can be reached.

The TPP would be the world's biggest free trade deal, with potential to benefit all our export industries.

The one that needs it most has negotiations at a standstill and Mr Groser says without progress on dairy, he won't sign off on the TPP.

Another key stumbling block is intellectual property, with the United States pushing to extend patents that could stop Pharmac from buying cheaper generic drugs.

But Mr Groser insists Kiwis won't have to pay more.

Watch the video for the full 3 News report.