New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will speak at a forum sponsored by the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea on March 26, organizers said Tuesday.

Key will address more than 80 chamber members and important business leaders as part of his visit, which also aims to advance negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement, according to chamber officials.

The prime minister is scheduled to visit Korea to attend the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul on March 26-27.

“We are very pleased to have Prime Minister Key visit Korea and speak to our members and guests again, the first time being in July 2010,” said Grant Philips, chairman of the Kiwi Chamber. “His visit represents a crucial chance to highlight the fantastic business opportunities between Korea and New Zealand.”

This year has been labeled the New Zealand-Korea Year of Friendship and also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the countries.

The prime minister will hold a bilateral meeting with President Lee Myung-bak to discuss further strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

Officially launched in 2008, the Kiwi Chamber has more than 250 members.

Its main mission is to support its members, New Zealand businesses in Korea and Korean businesses interested in the New Zealand-Korea commercial relationship.

The chamber also aims to provide information, high-value events and advocacy. Its chairman Grant Philips is also an executive director of Nestle Korea.

By Yoav Cerralbo (yoav@heraldcorp.com)