06 Aug 2026
2 months ago
628 views
Viet Nam’s President To Lam will make a State visit to New Zealand next week, marking the first such visit by a Viet Namese President since 2007. The two countries recently elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting strong economic ties with two-way trade reaching NZ$3.41 billion and growth in sectors like food, education, and technology. This visit aims to further strengthen cooperation, supporting New Zealand’s prosperity and security through closer ties with Viet Nam, an influential member of ASEAN, APEC, and CPTPP.
13 May 2026
5 months ago
1118 views
New Zealand’s economic prosperity fundamentally relies on its status as a trading nation, but the global trading system is under unprecedented pressure from geopolitical conflicts and shifting power dynamics, challenging the rules-based order that underpins market access. In response, the government is proactively strengthening trade rules through FTAs, building resilience by engaging exporters and diversifying relationships, and fostering innovation to secure New Zealand’s competitive edge and leadership in global trade institutions. With ambitious goals to double exports and attract foreign investment, the government is committed to persistent, creative engagement to protect and expand opportunities for Kiwi exporters amid a complex and uncertain global landscape.
06 May 2026
5 months ago
1141 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay welcomed Costa Rica’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), highlighting enhanced trade opportunities and significant tariff eliminations for New Zealand exports such as sheep meat, seafood, and dairy products. Costa Rica will become the 13th CPTPP member, with accession expected to take effect in the second half of 2027 following signing and ratification processes. The CPTPP strengthens rules-based trade and economic integration among member economies, which collectively represent over 15% of world GDP.
21 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1131 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay welcomed progress on Costa Rica’s accession to the CPTPP, with ministers planning to announce substantial conclusions before year-end, making Costa Rica the second economy to join after the UK. Accession processes will also begin with Uruguay this year and with Indonesia, the Philippines, and the UAE in 2026, while discussions continue with other aspirant countries to meet the Auckland Principles. Additionally, inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogues with the EU and ASEAN were held to strengthen cooperation on digital trade, supply chain resilience, and support for WTO reform, emphasizing the importance of upholding international trade rules.
03 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1313 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will meet Australian Trade Minister Senator Don Farrell in Adelaide for the CER Trade Ministers’ Meeting to enhance the Single Economic Market and strengthen the economic partnership between New Zealand and Australia. The meeting aims to boost trade, investment, and business growth across the Tasman amidst global trade uncertainties. Discussions will focus on elevating the partnership, addressing trade barriers, enhancing regulatory coherence, and coordinating on international trade initiatives to benefit businesses on both sides of the Tasman and align government actions with business needs.
18 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2041 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced a resolution to a dairy dispute between Canada and New Zealand under the CPTPP, projecting a $157m annual export value increase for New Zealand dairy exporters. New Zealand initiated dispute settlement proceedings due to limited dairy market access in Canada, leading to a favorable ruling and subsequent agreement for improved access through quota adjustments and penalties for misuse. McClay emphasized the importance of upholding CPTPP obligations, praised Canada for constructive engagement, and highlighted the agreement's reinforcement of the rules-based trading system.