New Zealand-Free Trade Agreement talks with Indonesia.

NEW ZEALAND.

FREE TRADE TALKS.

Rumors of tensions between New Zealand and Indonesia, were denied in Jakarta on Saturday by the Director General for International Trade Cooperation’s of the Trade Ministry, Gusmardi Bustami, who said "We hope negotiations will resume soon after the signing of the ASEAN agreement in February 2009".

Indonesia has already become the second most important market, for beef and live cattle from Australia after Japan. In the meantime the ASEAN agreement will pave the way for future negotiations, between both countries.

Indonesia is seeking the removal of duties on textiles and garments, exported to New Zealand. New Zealand if offering employment for Halal slaughter-men to work in the NZ meat works and other employment for the hotel and catering industry.

The talks look set to resume in March.