New Zealand to press for SMEs opportunities on Asia-Pacific trade agenda

New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser will be pressing for greater trade opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at a major Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in the Philippines this week.

Groser said Wednesday that the annual meeting of ministers responsible for trade (MRT) in Boracay from Friday to Sunday would focus on the theme of "Building inclusive economies."

This would cover regional economic integration, fostering SMEs participation in the global economy, developing human capital and building sustainable communities.

The meeting would also progress a study to explore the opportunities and challenges involved in the potential Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific.

"The MRT meeting will provide the opportunity to promote practical and trade facilitating measures that will help New Zealand SMEs more easily enter markets in the region. These are important issues for New Zealand exporters," Groser said in a statement.

Groser would also hold a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from APEC member economies to discuss bilateral and regional trade issues.