Australia, New Zealand to cooperate in radio telescope

"Over its 50 year life, the SKA will generate significant spin-offs in supercomputing, fiber optics, renewable energy, construction and manufacturing," Rudd said in a statement. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key agreed during an annual discussion with Rudd in Sydney on Monday to support Australia's bid to host the SKA project, which will be built between 2012 and 2020. "Extending the configuration of the SKA to include New Zealand will significantly add to the reach of the project, increasing scientific innovation and economic benefits for both countries," Rudd said. The two countries have also agreed to accelerate closer economic ties, as well as to help to make travel between the two countries easier in respond to the global financial crisis. "Worldwide this is the model for a trade agreement, it's been around for a quarter of a century ... and we're determined to make it better," Rudd said. Differences in agriculture could act as a barrier to harmonize two countries' emissions reduction schemes, but Australia and New Zealand will exchange each other's scheme and try to make comprise in it. "Our officials will continue to collaborate closely, with the objective of making sure there is the greatest degree of possible harmonization between New Zealand's approach and Australia's approach to carbon pollution reduction," Rudd said. Progress will be discussed at the next meeting on closer economic relations, due in Australia in August; Kazinform has learnt from Xinhua.