Clark to press free-trade case

Prime Minister Helen Clark will press New Zealand's case for a free-trade deal in discussions with the visiting United States Secretary of Agriculture.

Mike Johanns - the highest-ranking member of the Bush Administration to visit New Zealand - is here for bilateral trade talks after a high-powered agricultural ministers' meeting in Brisbane which focused on world trade issues.

"It's an opportunity to brief him on the level of support we have within the corporate sector in the States and within Congress," said Helen Clark.

"It can only be positive for New Zealand."

Prospects for a breakthrough on agricultural liberalisation at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will feature prominently during bilateral talks.

Mr Johanns has said that trade reform through the WTO is "one of our [America's] top priorities".

Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton will use the visit to ensure Mr Johanns get a close look at New Zealand's agricultural sector.

The pair will visit two farms in the Waikato today and look at Dexcel's robotic milking processes.

The US is New Zealand's largest market for agriculture exports.

A reception in Mr Johanns' honour will be held at the Langham Hotel in Auckland this evening.

Tomorrow he will be guest of honour at a lunch hosted by the Prime Minister in Auckland.