Kiwi trade delegation tours Phl seeking greater ties

WELLINGTON (Xinhua) - New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser left with a trade delegation for the Philippines today with the aim of building business and political links between the two countries and with Southeast Asia.

"The Philippine economy has been among the fastest growing in Asia in recent times, and this is a good time to be forging close business ties," Groser said in a statement before leaving.

"Trade with the Philippines is underpinned by the ASEAN- Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), which has now been in force for over four years."

The visit would see agreements between New Zealand companies and their Philippine customers or partners in the health and technology sector.

Groser would also meet with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of Finance of the host country.