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(From New Zealand Press Association)
(Eds: EMBARGOED 0100 DEC 1)
Vientiane, Nov 30 - Another piece in the trade deal jigsaw fell into place for New Zealand today with the successful conclusion of trade negotiations with Thailand.
The prime ministers of the two countries -- Helen Clark and Thaksin Shinawatra -- made the announcement at a meeting on the fringes of the Asean summit in the Laotian capital of Vientiane.
The deal was concluded just a year after the idea was first raised and will come into force from July next year.
Both prime ministers said the trade deal had significant strategic consequences and would act as a building block for the trade talks with the 10-member Asean bloc, also formally launched today.
An estimated $33 million was levied in tariffs on New Zealand exports to Thailand in 2003, with import quotas further restricting some products.