New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser says the Doha free trade talks is still on track despite a rise in countries using protectionist policies since the start of the credit crunch.
Mr Groser has been attending a meeting of APEC trade ministers in Singapore. The talks have stalled since last July.
He says steps by some countries to increase protectionist measures to protect jobs have hindered a speedy conclusion to the round.
But Mr Groser says the Doha round could be concluded next year depending on progress made after the northern hemisphere summer break.
