The Government will pay for Christchurch exporters hurt by last month's earthquake to travel overseas and meet their customers to reassure them that the city is open for commerce.

The payments are part of a $6.9 million package of funding for businesses affected by the earthquake on February 22, said Gerry Brownlee, Minister for Earthquake Recovery.

Output from Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury province, which make up about 15 per cent of the national economy, has been curbed after the quake.

"Exporters have expressed concern about how people outside New Zealand perceive the ongoing effects of the earthquake on business," Brownlee said. "The funding to support visits to international markets will help them meet clients face to face, reinforce ongoing relationships and reassure them that Christchurch, and New Zealand, is open for business."

The Government will offer exporters as much as $25,000 for visits to or by their customers, distributors, agents and other business partners. Visits must occur before June 30.

The Government will also fund business access to training and workshops, recruit business recovery co-ordinators and donate $2.5 million to a trust fund set up by the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce aimed at helping firms restore operations.

- Bloomberg

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