One job in five in New Zealand is underpinned by the Asian region, says a body set up to build closer links with the area.
Asia 2000 chairman Sir Dryden Spring said in the foundation's 2002/2003 annual report that if Asia was removed from New Zealand's economic equation, "much of the lifestyle we now take for granted would fall into question".
"Our economic turnover with Asia is huge," he said.
"Exports account for $10 billion, imports for $11 billion, tourism for $1.5 billion and education for $1.1 billion.
"Add all that together and, with our total GDP standing at around $110 billion, my rough estimate is that the Asian region now underpins about 20 per cent of the New Zealand economy. That's one job in five.
"Asia will become more important to New Zealand. Our economy will become even more densely entwined with those of our Asian neighbours."
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