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CPTPP is the world’s leading multi-country free trade agreement (FTA) - an agreement that is open to other economies to join if they can meet its high standards. Growing its membership offers New Zealand an opportunity to open markets, develop and modernise trading relationships and reinforce global rules-based trade.
Consultation: Share your views on Uruguay's accession to CPTPP
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) welcomes New Zealanders views on Uruguay joining CPTPP.
New Zealand supports growing CPTPP by accessions of economies who can demonstrate their readiness to meet the Auckland Principles, which are:
- Able to meet the Agreement’s high standards,
- A demonstrated pattern of complying with trade commitments, and
- Members’ consensus to progress an applicant’s request.
Uruguay submitted its request to join CPTPP on 30 November 2022 and after demonstrating its ability to meet the Auckland Principles, Members announced the decision to establish its Accession Working Group (AWG) in November 2025.
Submissions close 12 September 2026.
More information:
Previous consultations
Consultation: Costa Rica's accession to CPTPP
The consultation period for New Zealanders to have a say on Costa Rica acceding to CPTPP has now closed.
We thank submitters for sharing their views. This feedback will inform our approach to Costa Rica’s accession process.
Although the formal consultation process has closed, we continue to welcome views and feedback on this process. Please send any questions or comments to CPTPP@mfat.govt.nz.
New Zealand supports growing CPTPP by accessions of economies who can demonstrate their readiness to meet the Auckland Principles, which are:
- A preparedness to meet the Agreement’s high standards;
- A demonstrated pattern of complying with trade commitments, and
- Members’ consensus to progress an applicant’s request.
Costa Rica submitted its request to join CPTPP on 10 August 2022 and after demonstrating its ability to meet the Auckland Principles, Members announced the decision to establish its Accession Working Group (AWG) in November 2024.
Consultation on the CPTPP General Review
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) also welcomes further feedback on the first CPTPP General Review.
The General Review is mandated by the CPTPP Text, which states that the Agreement should be reviewed at least every five years. Due to COVID-19 disruptions, this process was postponed to the 2024-2025 period.
The General Review will assess the operation of the Agreement and identify provisions that would benefit from potential revision, updating, and inclusion, to ensure that CPTPP remains relevant, modern, of the highest standard, and is focused on maximizing benefits for all Members.
If you wish to get in contact about the General Review, please email CPTPP@mfat.govt.nz.
Additional Resources
Vancouver Statement(external link) | Annex – Interim Report by Senior Officials to Ministers on Progress on the General Review of CPTPP