• POLICIES FOR PROGRESS TRADE & INVESTMENT
• GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO WORK MORE CLOSELY
• NORTH AMERICAN CAMPAIGN
• NEW ZEALAND INC
• OVERSEAS STUDENTS
• TRADE LIBERALISATION

The new initiative is part of the Government's Policies for Progress programme.

"The aim is to ensure we are getting the most bang for our buck from our efforts in key markets," Dr Smith said.

"First we need to identify the markets where there is further potential for New Zealand and where there is room to upgrade our efforts.

"Second, we want to ensure all the different strands of work are fully integrated to ensure they have maximum impact in those key markets."

The first two regional strategies will be for South America and Australia while a strategy for China will follow.

The strategies will involve integrating prime ministerial and ministerial visits, trade policy initiatives such as negotiating better bilateral access for New Zealand products, sanitary and phyto-sanitary work, trade promotions, investment promotions, tourism promotions, education services promotions and sporting and cultural exchanges.

ENDS