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Asia’s importance to New Zealand is obvious. Security and stability in the region matter to us. What happens in Asia has an impact on us: when the region does well, New Zealand benefi ts; when it falters, New Zealand too suffers.
Asia is home to over half of humanity, including the two most populous nations. It is politically and socially diverse and economically dynamic. There are contradictions: both the world’s largest democracy and some of the most closed regimes are located in Asia. It is culturally rich, a fruitful source of world philosophy, and it is home to the world’s largest Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu populations, as well as many other significant religious communities.
Asia has led the world in economic growth in the last 20 years. The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other commentators expect Asian economies (particularly China and India) to continue to have the highest levels of growth.
New Zealand’s economic links with the region have grown rapidly. Asia is home to 10 of our 20 top markets for goods exports, and the region has become increasingly important for our services, especially tourism and education. These economic connections are supported by an expanding network of trade agreements and other forms of economic co-operation.
New Zealand has had a degree of military engagement with Asia from the time of the Second World War. We are a participant in regional security dialogue through the ASEAN Regional Forum, and a participant in the Five Power Defence Arrangements.
People-to-people relations have increased markedly over the years. Opportunities to travel, study and live in one another’s countries have expanded our contacts. Immigration from the region is changing New Zealand’s demography.
In almost every sense, Asia now looms larger on our horizon: strategically, economically, socially and culturally.top of page
New Zealand’s relationship with Japan is one of our most longstanding. We share strong diplomatic ties, reflecting many common views and values, and a shared interest in the stability and growth of the Asia Pacifi c region. Japan, the world’s second largest economy and the world’s largest food importer, is our third biggest export market and our most important market in Asia. It is a valued source of investment and technology, as well as tourists and students.
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