New Zealand's ambassador to the United States says a free trade agreement is on the cards.
Mike Moore's comments come as Trade Minister Tim Groser prepares to hold talks with US Senator Max Baucus this week.
Moore told TV One's Q and A programme, the US is looking for a stronger economic presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
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"It's very much in America's interest they do this deal they know Japan, Korea, Taiwan, south-east Asia, Australia and New Zealand soon, are doing more business with China than the United States."
Trade negotiations between countries in the Pacific, including New Zealand and the US, have been ongoing since 2007.
Baucus will be in New Zealand for three days, he is Chair of the US Senate Finance Committee and influential in trade policy.
"Senator Baucus' visit presents an excellent opportunity to discuss a range of trade issues, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations," Groser said.
The Trans Pacific Partnership aims to create a free-trade block spanning the Asia-Pacific region, and also includes Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Mexico and Canada will join negotiations later this year.
Japan is also understood to be keeping a close eye on progress and could also join the trading block.
There have been concerns over some of the possible clauses contained in any free trade deal which could inhibit the ability for local Governments to pass legislation.
Labour's foreign affairs spokesman Phil Goff has also warned against the US dictating terms to the smaller nations in the group.
New Zealand is also negotiating a free-trade agreement with India following a visit to the country by John Key last year.