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About the Republic of Palau
The Republic of Palau is located in the Western Pacific Ocean. It is an independent, democratic country with strong ties to the United States through a 50-year Compact of Free Association which runs until 2024.
It is home to 22,000 people. New Zealand’s relationship with Palau is centred on our common interests in Pacific issues such as regional security, sustainable fisheries management, climate change and oceans.
Find out more about the Republic of Palau
Trade
With no direct shipping links, trade between New Zealand and Palau is minimal.
Exporting to the Pacific Islands — New Zealand Trade & Enterprise(external link)
2018 statistics
Two-way trade | NZD$3 million* | |
Goods exports to Palau | NZD$2 million* | Top exports: retail medicines, power supply meters, ice cream |
Goods imports from Palau | NZD$0 million* | |
GDP | USD$289.8 million# | |
GDP per capita | USD$13,338# | NZ GDP per capita is US$41,267^ |
Sources: *New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link) ^IMF WEO April 2019(external link) #World Bank 2017(external link)
Development cooperation
New Zealand supports Palau through the North Pacific Development Fund, which is administered by the Consulate-General in Honolulu, Hawaii. It provides funding for locally run projects up to the value of NZD $75,000 per project.
New Zealand also has a bilateral development programme with Palau. The development programme is focused on climate change, oceans, and gender.
Find out more about our development cooperation in the Republic of Palau.
Embassies
New Zealand is represented in Palau by the Consulate-General in Honolulu
Palau does not have an embassy or consular service in New Zealand
Recent official visits
New Zealand to Palau
- April 2018: Parliamentary Undersecretary Fletcher Tabuteau visited Palau for the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting
- July 2014: Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully visited Palau for the 45th Pacific Islands Forum
- July 2014: Ambassador Robert Kaiwai visited Koror to present his credentials as Ambassador
Palau to New Zealand
- September 2013: A delegation that included senators Hon Surangel Whipps Jr, Hon Philip B.Reklai and Hon Rukebai Inabo visited New Zealand to learn about our GST system
- April 2013: Surangel Whipps Jr, Rukebai Inabo and Uduch Sengebau Senior attended the Pacific Parliamentarians’ Forum
- March 2013: Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism Umiich Flemming Sengebau attended the Pacific Energy Summit in Auckland
- 2011: President Johnson Toribiong and Vice-President Sandra Pierantozzi attended the Pacific Islands Forum in Auckland