Bernama, Malaysia

New Zealand Seeks More FTAs To Improve Trading Relationship

16 July 2007

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) — New Zealand’s Prime Minister Helen Clark said the country has been proactive in seeking free trade agreements (FTAs), including with Malaysia and Asean, in its move to improve trading relationship.

She said the successful conclusion of such FTAs would send a positive signal to business people in both countries.

"Malaysia’s economic growth to date has been very impressive, and this has benefited the region as a whole, including New Zealand. We look forward to continuing to be part of Malaysia’s growth," Clark said.

"New Zealand and Malaysian companies should also be alert to the potential for partnering to target third country markets such as in China, India and the Middle East," she said in a luncheon address with the business community here Monday.

Malaysia is currently New Zealand’s ninth largest trading partner with a trade value of NZ$650 million and a significant market for both goods and services.