Radio New Zealand News
Free trade deal boosts NZ exports to Thailand
13 Apr 2007
New Zealand exports to Thailand have risen strongly since the two countries signed a free trade deal in 2005.
Official papers obtained by Radio New Zealand under the Official Information Act reveal that exports rose nearly $ 100 million to $438 million last year.
The increase in exports last year represented an almost 30% rise as New Zealand exporters appear to have benefitted from the Thai government scrapping tariffs on about half the goods which go to Thailand.
Thai imports rose more slowly, but still edged over $1 billion, leaving New Zealand with a large trade deficit.