EU trade commissioner to visit NZ

EU trade commissioner Karel De Gucht. Photo / AP

European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will visit New Zealand this week to attend the Christchurch earthquake memorial service and meet government and business leaders.

The EU, with 27 member countries, was New Zealand's second largest trading partner and New Zealand was committed to further strengthen ties, Trade Minister Tim Groser said today.

"The commissioner will have the opportunity to exchange views with the Government and with New Zealand business leaders while visiting Auckland on Saturday," he said.

"I will of course be letting the EU know that New Zealand is open for business - even in Christchurch, many businesses were quickly up and running after the earthquake, or shifted to new premises to resume work."

- NZPA