NZ finance minister to visit Hong Kong next week

New Zealand Finance Minister Bill English will visit Hong Kong for two days next week, where he will deliver a keynote speech to the annual Asia Investment Conference and meet a number of business and political leaders.

English will be in Hong Kong on March 19-20, returning to New Zealand on March 21.

"Asia is an important and growing export and investment partner for New Zealand and I'm keen to keep building on our relationships in the region," he said in a statement on Friday.

"While other parts of the world, particularly Europe and the United States, are struggling with too much debt and little or no growth, Asia continues to provide New Zealand with opportunities," he added.

"Trade is an important part of the Government's program to build a more productive and competitive economy. In particular, as part of our Business Growth Agenda, we have set a target of increasing exports from 30 percent to 40 percent of GDP by 2025," he added.

The Asian Investment Conference is one of Asia-Pacific's longest running forums, and attracts a wide range of influential corporate leaders, economists, policy makers and investors.

English speaks to the conference on March 20.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the participants and discussing the Government's economic program with them," he said.

English will also meet business and political leaders, including Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Financial Secretary John Tsang.