The 7th round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks between New Zealand and China is due to begin in Queenstown, New Zealand, Monday.

The one-week negotiation is described by experts as crucial, for it is the first following Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to New Zealand in April.

During Wen's visit, China and New Zealand agreed to step up progress on free trade negotiations.

Wen and his New Zealand counterpart Helen Clark also agreed to raise the negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) to the vice- minister level.

There have been six rounds of talks on the FTA since November 2004 and New Zealand experts said the two sides have encountered some difficulties, for instance, in agriculture and services.

Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Charles Finney told reporters this round will be "the first real test" of "whether recent talks between Clark and Chinese Premier will add impetus to the negotiations."

New Zealand's lead negotiator David Walker said it is hoped that the leaders' call will translate to significant movement at the negotiating table this week.

He described the process as a bit like an iceberg: 10 percent negotiation and 90 percent consultation.

Source: Xinhua