CHINA / National
China's Wen hopes NZ free trade deal in two years
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-04-06 13:39
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao wrapped up a swing through the South Pacific
on Thursday with a visit to New Zealand where he said bilateral free
trade talks have stumbled but hoped a deal could be reached within two
years.
Wen and Prime Minister Helen Clark agreed to step up the 16-month long
trade negotiation to vice-ministerial levels.
Wen's six-day visit to the South Pacific saw him sign a deal for export
of Australian uranium to fuel China's burgeoning power needs and in Fiji
offer a sweeping economic package to small South Pacific island states
with diplomatic ties with Beijing.
China is New Zealand's fourth-largest trading partner. Two way trade is
worth around NZ$5.5 billion ($3.37 billion) and New Zealand's main
exports are dairy products and timber.
New Zealand is keen to gain greater access to China's agriculture sector
and Beijing wants more access to New Zealand's manufacturing industry.
But Wen, who is due to leave early on Friday, said trade talks had
encountered difficulties.
"Bilateral FTA negotiations have entered into a crucial stage and have
encountered some difficulties, for instance in the agricultural and
service areas," he told a news conference.
"These are not insurmountable difficulties," he said.
China has expressed caution about further opening its agricultural sector
while New Zealand is concerned that cheap Chinese labour would put
pressure on its manufacturers.
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