A new air transport agreement has been signed between New Zealand and Canada, with the aim of allowing more flights between the two countries.

Tim Groser, New Zealand Trade Minister, said Wednesday that the agreement was signed with his Canadian counterpart, Stockwell Day, in Singapore. Groser added that the agreement will provide new business and tourism opportunities for both countries.

Via a statement, Groser said: "The agreement removes previous limitations on the frequency of flights that can be provided. Additionally, New Zealand and Canadian carriers can now operate to and beyond each others' country over any routing."

In the years to April 2009, nearly 49,000 Canadians visited New Zealand' while 20,000 New Zealanders traveled to Canada as their prime destination last year.