China and New Zealand on Friday vowed to quicken the pace of negotiation on their free trade agreement (FTA).

Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu met with Minister of Trade Phil Goff in Zhongnanhai, in Beijing on Friday.

Hui said China-New Zealand trade and economic cooperation have expanded since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1972.

"China and New Zealand should work together to push the FTA negotiation," Hui said.

New Zealand is the first developed country to start FTA negotiations with China.

"Our goal of the FTA negotiation is not a head-to-head competition, but a partnership to bring our economic cooperation closer," Goff said.

New Zealand wants to conclude the FTA negotiation at an early date, Goff said, calling for a "high-quality agreement."

New Zealand is also the first western country to recognize China as a market economy.

Source: Xinhua