Market accessAPECExport controlsNZ and the WTOOECDTrade AgreementsTrade RelationshipsTrade and economic analysisTrade lawTrade scholarships
Find MFAT's information paper on a country or territory. (We don't have information papers on all countries.)
Although we have tried to use plain English content on the site, you may come across specialist terms and acronyms. Find out what they mean in our glossary of terms.
If you come across a term that isn't included in the Glossary please send us an email.
Thailand and New Zealand have an excellent relationship underpinned by a high level of interaction between Thais and New Zealanders through business connections, education, tourism, and immigration. We also have a long history of working together internationally and in the Asia-Pacific region to promote trade and economic liberalisation, facilitation, and cooperation.
In today’s increasingly competitive international environment, small countries like Thailand and New Zealand need to take all opportunities available to us to improve our competitiveness and to forge partnerships which will strengthen our positions in the global marketplace. It was with these broad objectives in mind that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand and Prime Minister Helen Clark of New Zealand agreed that our two countries should pursue a bilateral closer economic partnership agreement.
International trade is an essential driver of economic growth in both Thailand and New Zealand. The optimum vehicle for trade liberalisation and rule-making is through the WTO, where we cooperate closely as Cairns Group members. However, both countries see bilateral trade agreements with like-minded partners as a means of achieving the benefits of trade liberalisation, in terms of access to markets and promoting domestic competitiveness, on a faster track.
Global connectedness is equally crucial to economic growth. Establishing a strategic partnership between our two countries will highlight opportunities for New Zealanders and Thais to work together, utilising our combined expertise, ideas, technology and resource bases to compete more effectively in overseas markets.
This study identifies real benefits for the people and businesses of Thailand and New Zealand from the implementation of a comprehensive bilateral closer economic partnership agreement. This is an opportunity to build a vibrant economic relationship for the 21st century, which will stimulate greater interaction and cooperation between Thais and New Zealanders in all spheres and enhance both countries’ regional and global positions.
