New Zealand aims to be the first developed country to conclude a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks with China, New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark said in Beijing Monday.

At a business lunch with senior Chinese officials and representatives from business circles, Clark said after three rounds of FTA talks between New Zealand and China, though both sides have sensitive issues to work through, she believed that with leadership, goodwill and commitment, negotiations can succeed.

China and New Zealand kicked off FTA talks on Dec. 6, 2004. The third round talks were held from May 18 to May 20 in New Zealand, during which the two sides held discussions on trade, service and investment issues and made positive progress in many areas. It was agreed that the next round of talks would be held in Beijing in July, 2005.

A joint feasibility study on a FTA done in New Zealand shows that there would be immediate gains for both countries from a far- reaching and comprehensive agreement which covered goods, services and investment, Clark said.

"New Zealand now has extensive economic interests in China," the Prime Minister said, adding that in the past five years the exports of New Zealand to China have increased one hundred per cent. "China is now our fourth largest export market, and our fourth largest trading partner overall with two way trade at over five billion New Zealand dollars," she said.

New Zealand has accomplished "three firsts" in its relations with China in recent years: it is the first developed country to conclude a bilateral market access agreement with China for its entry to the World Trade Organization; the first to recognize China's status as a market economy and the first country to enter FTA negotiations with China.

"Our leading agro-tech businesses are actively looking for more opportunities in China. Cooperation in agriculture between New Zealand and China will be a win for both sides." Clark said, saying that New Zealand is ready to cooperate with China in various areas, especially agricultural technology and research.

More than 200 guests from the Chinese government, the New Zealand embassy in China and business circles were present for the occasion.

Clark arrived here Sunday evening on a three-day working visit to China at the invitation of her Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao.

Source: Xinhua