PM to lead export mission

Prime Minister Helen Clark will go to Australia next month, leading a business mission to the eastern states of Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard will also be on the trip.

The "Export Year" business mission would focus on food and beverage, biotechnology and specialised manufacturing sectors with a separate "sector-focused" business delegation accompanying the prime minister in each state capital.

"Australia is an ideal destination for an Export Year business mission as the proximity and relative ease of doing business make it a common first choice export destination," she said.