New Zealand Customs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said Wednesday the New Zealand Customs Service will play a key role in supporting the export push into Asia and is contributing to the government's economic transformation agenda.

Trade Minister Phil Goff has previously announced major plans for the expansion of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise offices into China, India and Asia, as part of the government's Export Year initiatives.

In 2006 New Zealand exports to China and Japan totaled more than 5.4 billion NZ dollars (38 billion U.S. dollars). New Zealand exports to India totaled 337 million NZ dollars (230 million U.S. dollars) in the same period but there is strong exporter interest in entering this market.

Nanaia Mahuta said the Customs has set up an office in Beijing 18 months ago to reflect the growing importance of China as a trading partner and the increasing numbers of travelers between the two countries.

The Minister said that Customs were also working closely with China Customs on drug and intellectual property enforcement issues.

"We've also developed a close working relationship with China Customs and other Chinese government agencies over this time," said Nanaia Mahuta.

Source: Xinhua