By Agnes Yu

This year is the New Zealand Korea Year of Friendship and also marks the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon John Key will be attending the second Nuclear Security Summit held at the COEX in Seoul this month on the 26th and 27th. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with President Lee Myung-bak to discuss further strengthening the relationship between the two countries. 

According to the party’s website, Prime Minister Key said, "We have strong and wide ranging ties with Korea. One of the aims of my visit will be to progress negotiations on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement. Korea is our fifth largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth around $3 billion. A free trade agreement between the two countries would unlock the potential for greater trade, investment and people flows between our two countries."

Also during his visit, the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea will host the prime minister in a breakfast speech on the morning of Monday, March 26. Prime Minister Key will address over 80 chamber members and important business leaders, aiming to advance negotiations for the bilateral Free Trade Agreement. 

Officially launched in November 2008, the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea is also referred to as the Kiwi Chamber and consists of over 250 members. They are New Zealand businesses with commercial interests in Korea and Korean businesses wishing to forge similar reciprocal relationships. The main motivation of the chamber is to support its members as well as to provide relevant information, organize worthwhile events and facilitate advocacy. Visit www.kiwichamber.com for more information.