New Zealand Trade and Defense Minister Phil Goff ended his
official visit to China Tuesday and described it as "positive" for
the growing trade and defense relationship between the two
nations.
According to a press release from Trade and Defense Minister's
office, Goff said his visit is an exciting time in the relationship
between New Zealand and China with the two way goods trade between
the two countries growing well, up more than 17 percent since last
year and defense, tourism and cultural links being developed and
strengthened.
The first leg of Goff's visit was focused around the activities
of the New Zealand trade delegation he led to Shanghai, where links
were established at both national and individual levels.
He said business people traveling with the delegation have been
extremely positive about the value they have derived from being
part of this delegation and the opportunities for further
engagement.
During Goff's visit to Beijing the following days, much of the
discussion focused on the goal of a free trade agreement.
"A successful free trade agreement will clearly help New Zealand
exporters by removing barriers to trade with the world's fastest
growing economy," said Goff.
"However it will be up to initiatives taken by the private
sector, drawing where appropriate on assistance from New Zealand
Trade and Enterprise, which will determine what benefit we draw
from the opportunities presented by this dynamic market," said
Goff.
(Xinhua News Agency November 14, 2006)
