The Philippines and New Zealand have signed a bilateral agreement on the establishment of the regular flights between the two countries, according to a press release by the Philippine presidential palace on Nov. 21.

Under the Philippines-New Zealand Air Services Agreement (ASA), air carriers of the Philippines and New Zealand would each be entitled to three services per week of passengers, cargo and mail from one country to the other from and to pre-agreed points, said the press release.

The ASA is expected to increase visitor arrivals between the two countries, as well as further bolster bilateral trade and investment, it said.

The ASA was signed by Philippine Under-secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo and New Zealand Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Murdoch.

The agreement is expected to immediately benefit over 27,000 Filipinos who are living and working in New Zealand, said the press release.