(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-07 19:58

"Air New Zealand has recently announced direct flights to Beijing as well which we anticipate will have further positive benefits on visitor flows," said Clark.

The New Zealand prime minister said the 2008 Olympics is an important opportunity for China to showcase its remarkable progress and new capabilities to the world. "New Zealand plans to send a large team to the Olympics and we hope the Games are a great success."

Clark said New Zealand encourages China to engage constructively with Pacific Island countries. "It is important that China works with the countries of the region to identify their needs and that it promotes sustainable development of the region's resources," she said.

Clark also said 9 percent of New Zealand's population are now of Asian ethnicity and the Labor-led New Zealand government, for the first time, released a white paper entitled "Our Future with Asia" in October last year.        

The major themes in the white paper include the need for New Zealand to make long-term, sustained commitment to Asia, she said.

"Our relationships with China and other nations in Asia are becoming more mature, and they are delivering greater mutual benefit as a result," said Clark.

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