Wellington  - South Korea's President Lee Myung-bak will make an official visit to New Zealand on March 3-4, Prime Minister John Key announced on Wednesday.

Key said they would discuss improving economic links between the two countries which are preparing to negotiate a free trade pact.

He said South Korea was an important bilateral and regional partner for New Zealand and his country's sixth-largest export market.

Lee will speak at a New Zealand-Korea Economic Forum which will discuss strengthening ties between the two business communities.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan visited the country in January.

New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has called for public submissions on a free trade agreement as a precursor to formal negotiations with Seoul. (dpa)