New Zealand trade minister Phil Goff on Wednesday expressed condolences to the people of China for the huge loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake in Sichuan Province.

Speaking at the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement Road Show in Auckland, Goff said: "We extend our sympathy to all those who have lost their loved ones and most particularly to the parents who lost their children in the school buildings which collapsed in the earthquake."

"I would like also to acknowledge the determined and transparent manner in which the Chinese government has responded to the needs of the survivors." he added.

China and New Zealand signed the FTA on April 7.

(Xinhua News Agency May 28, 2008)