Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States, so its political ties as well as its economic and security interests lie with the US. The relationship between New Zealand and Guam is friendly, but limited. We share common interests based on Pacific issues - we're both involved in the Pacific Island Forum, New Zealand as a member state and Guam as an observer.
At 549 square kilometres, Guam is the largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands. It has a population of 165,000. Guam's an important military base for the US - the largest refuelling point outside the US for all military forces. The economy relies on US military spending and a growing tourism industry (mostly from Japan).
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Total trade in goods |
$6.8 million |
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Exports to Guam |
$6.7 million | Top exports: fresh milk and cream, molluscs, butter and dairy spreads |
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Imports from Guam |
$0.1 million |
Top imports:dry-cleaning, ironing or dyeing machines, turbo-jets and turbo-propellers, yachts and other vessels |
Trade in goods between New Zealand and Guam is modest, and prospects for growing a trading relationship is hampered because there are no direct air links between the two countries.
The expansion of US military bases and associated infrastructure and military contracts are growing Guam’s population and economy, and provide opportunities for its citizens and neighbouring islands.
In 2005 the Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme (PPDVP) was set up jointly by the New Zealand Aid Programme, New Zealand Police and the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police. This involves skilled New Zealand police delivering advice, training and operational support on domestic violence to the police forces and communities in Melanesia, Polynesia and Kiribati.
The Pacific Police Development Programme Regional (involving the Australian Federal Police) joined the PPDVP in 2013, and provides extended assistance and support to Micronesian countries including Guam.
Remarks by Deputy Secretary Pacific and Development Group Jonathan Kings at event hosted by New Zealand Aid and Development Dialogues at Victoria University, Wellington, 5 July 2018
New Zealand statement delivered by Ambassador Gerard van Bohemen, Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations, 23 September 2016