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<DIV class=actit id=articleTitle><FONT size=5><STRONG>JoongAng Daily</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV class=actit>New Zealand PM tours East Asia</DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV align=right>May 13, 2008</DIV></TD></TR>
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<P>WELLINGTON — New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark left for Japan and Korea yesterday to build on the country’s trade momentum with the region following the signing of a free trade agreement with China. <BR>Government officials told AFP there was little prospect of imminent progress on a free trade agreement with Japan, but the signs were more favorable with Korea. <BR>New Zealand became the first developed country to sign a free trade agreement with China last month. <BR>Clark will arrive in Tokyo Tuesday and is due to meet Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda the following day for talks. She is not expected to push hard for a bilateral free trade agreement but wants to encourage deeper economic links with the world’s second largest economy.<BR>Clark will meet Korean President Lee Myung-bak, who took office in February, in Seoul Friday for talks. <BR>A joint feasibility study late last year found a free trade agreement would have benefits for both New Zealand and its sixth largest export market. <BR>Officials said Korea was unlikely to be willing to enter talks for a trade deal immediately because Seoul’s main focus is on ratification of an FTA with the United States by the legislatures of both countries. <BR>But New Zealand is hoping there will at least be a positive expression‎ of interest from both sides in pursuing a trade deal. AFP</P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></P>
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