Groser leaves for Asian trade summit

Trade Minister Tim Groser left today to attend the annual meeting of economic ministers from the East Asia Summit (EAS) countries in Bangkok.

He will attend meetings with counterparts from the 10 countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations, as well as broader meetings with ministers from China, the Republic of Korean Japan, India and Australia.

"The meetings will be an important opportunity to reassert New Zealand's position within East Asia's regional economic integration," Mr Groser said.

"In particular New Zealand - working with our EAS partners - will seek to advance the case for launching an inter-governmental study into the benefits of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia."

- NZPA