Trade and future deals

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 21, 2026

New Zealand held the Foreign Investment Talks in Auckland to explore expanding trade frameworks and supply chain collaborations with countries including Switzerland, Thailand, and Costa Rica. These discussions aim to tailor agreements that address regional trade priorities and leverage benefits like duty-free exports under CPTPP, enhancing market access and economic ties.

New Zealand is advancing discussions on expanding trade relationships as it works to establish frameworks for future supply chain collaborations with multiple countries. Government officials and trade representatives gathered recently in Auckland for the Foreign Investment Talks (FIT), a platform designed to facilitate dialogue on trade priorities and opportunities.

New Zealand Trade Minister Damien McClay emphasized the significance of the country’s current engagement with partners like Switzerland as a foundational step. “What we have entered into with New Zealand serves as a very useful pathfinder, laying down the groundwork and the framework on which this supply chain collaboration can work,” he stated. McClay suggested that similar frameworks could be adapted to fit the needs of other countries, noting that trade priorities differ by region and that ongoing discussions aim to identify critical and essential products for each partner.

Switzerland’s representative, Helene Budliger Artieda, highlighted the growing importance of food security for her country. The exchanges between McClay and Artieda reflected a positive atmosphere, with both officials humorously referencing chocolate and cheese during talks that hinted at future free trade negotiations.

Interest in such agreements is extending beyond Europe. Thailand has also expressed a desire to be part of comparable trade arrangements, while Costa Rica, a recent accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), was represented by Minister of Foreign Trade Indiana Trejos Gallo.

Trejos Gallo underscored the strategic value of CPTPP membership for Costa Rica, which will allow over 94% of New Zealand exports to enter the country duty-free immediately upon ratification, rising above 99% within a decade. Key New Zealand exports to Costa Rica include butter, paper products, and therapeutic appliances, while Costa Rica exports medical instruments and raw sugar to New Zealand.

“Costa Rica has set out a priority to reach out to the Asia Pacific region, and in that regard, the CPTPP is central and, of course, it will bring us closer to like-minded partners like New Zealand,” Trejos Gallo said. She also noted Costa Rica’s advanced manufacturing sector, particularly in medical devices, as a potential growth area for exports.

During her visit, Trejos Gallo met with business leaders in Auckland to explore new trade opportunities and discuss expanding imports from New Zealand, particularly in dairy and agricultural products. She acknowledged New Zealand’s strong position in agriculture, which remains a competitive sector with significant export potential.

The event concluded with a showcase of New Zealand products presented to visiting delegations, who received greeting packages featuring wine, manuka honey, umbrellas, and chocolate. Attendees ended the day with a reception at the Sky Tower, enjoying panoramic views of Auckland as discussions continued on enhancing trade cooperation.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.