The announcement came during annual talks by economic ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

'The ministers welcomed the conclusion of the negotiations between Asean, Australia and New Zealand' for the free trade agreements, a joint statement said.

The comprehensive agreement covered trade in goods and services, investment, financial services, telecoms, electronic commerce, movement of natural persons, intellectual property, competition policy and economic cooperation, it said.

Talks began in March 2005, with Asean, Australia and New Zealand hoping to sign the deal in December. -- AFP