New Zealand has officially opened its first diplomatic mission to the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) bloc in Jakarta, Trade Minister Tim Groser said Friday.

The opening of the New Zealand Mission was a significant demonstration of commitment to the region, said Groser who opened the mission.

"It comes at an important time. This year marks the 40th anniversary of New Zealand's formal relationship with ASEAN, and also the year that ASEAN will launch the ASEAN Community," Groser said in a statement from his office.

"ASEAN is now home to around 625 million people and has a combined GDP of 2.4 trillion U.S. dollars. Taken as a bloc, ASEAN is now the seventh largest economy in the world and New Zealand's fourth largest trading partner. ASEAN has become a pillar of New Zealand trade."

Groser's visit to Indonesia was part of a series of events held in ASEAN countries this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of New Zealand-ASEAN relations. Endit

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