New Zealand 's Foreign Minister Murray McCully has confirmed that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is of particular importance to the country for trade and security.

In a media statement regarding a visit to New Zealand by ASEAN’s Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan next week, the minister said ASEAN's 10 member countries combined are New Zealand 's third largest market, with their imports from New Zealand more than doubling since 2003 to reach 5.8 billion NZD last year.

According to McCully, the ASEAN/Australia/New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) is a major accomplishment for the region and creates a strategic beachhead for New Zealand to trade more easily there.

During his visit to New Zealand , the ASEAN chief is expected to meet with Prime Minister John Key, Foreign Minister Murray McCully and Trade Minister Tim Groser. He will also address the ASEAN-New Zealand Combined Business Council.

ASEAN is an important regional grouping comprising Brunei , Cambodia , Indonesia , Laos , Malaysia , Myanmar , the Philippines , Singapore , Thailand and Vietnam./.