NZIBF
Launched in June 2007, NZIBF brings together business leaders from some of New Zealand’s largest internationally oriented companies together with the country’s peak business organisations.
Trade Works
Trade Works is the communications platform for the New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF), and the New Zealand Chapter of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).
ABAC NZ
The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) is the voice of business in APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation). The three NZ Members of ABAC advise APEC Economic Leaders on priority business issues for the region. New Zealand is hosting APEC in 2021.
Trade Working
Wanted! New FTA Partners
New research commissioned by the NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF) identifies options for New Zealand’s next tranche of trade negotiations.
GUEST POST: Acting Digitally for Regional Impact
Rachel Taulelei and Trade Minister Damien O’Connor Rachel Taulelei is CEO of Kono and Chair of ABAC for 2021. Here she comments on progress in ABAC this year. APEC Trade Ministers have just met and have issued a statement, committing to reduce barriers for trade in...
No BAU at the WTO
The World Trade Organisation has unanimously selected Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its new Director-General, after months of uncertainty following a veto from the now-departed Trump Administration. The appointment of Dr Okonjo-Iweala, as the first woman and first...
Trade in the worst of the worst times
“Out with the old, and in with the new”. The old saying seems to have particular relevance for 2020, a veritable annus horribilis for the global economy. 2021 can’t come fast enough, but while the vaccine portends better times to come, many parts of the...
RCEP Delivers New Rule Book for Asia Trade
It is said good things take time, and that is inevitably true of international free trade negotiations. More than eight years after launching, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement was finally signed on 15th November 2020 creating a new rule...
In The News
APEC Economic Leaders’ Statement Overcoming COVID-19 and Accelerating Economic Recovery
Issued by the APEC Informal Leaders' Retreat Wellington, New Zealand, 16 July 2021 We, the APEC Economic Leaders met on 16 July 2021 to discuss the COVID-19 health and economic crisis and response. The pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on our region’s...
APEC Looks to Partnerships to Support Business Recovery
Finance ministers and business leaders from the 21 APEC member economies convened virtually on Friday to discuss the ongoing responses for businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises, during the pandemic, as well as the policies economies can focus on to help businesses recover.
APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting Joint Statement, 5 June
APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting Joint Statement, 5 June
Remarks by Rachel Taulelei to APEC Trade Ministers, 4 June
Remarks Rachel Taulelei to APEC Trade Ministers, 4 June
Pandemic Must Remain Our Highest Priority: Business Leaders to APEC Ministers
APEC trade ministers joined the Asia-Pacific business leaders on Friday to hear from the private sector their views toward the forum’s focus on regional economic integration, trade implications resulting from the economic response to COVID-19 and how economies can be made more resilient to future shocks.
Media Releases
Wanted! New FTA partners
Media release, 29 June 2021 New research commissioned by the NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF) identifies options for New Zealand’s next tranche of trade negotiations. “Trade is the country’s lifeblood and trade has boosted the economy during the pandemic,” says...
Market Access Is The Key To Unlock The NZ/UK FTA Negotiation
Media release, 6 May 2021 The NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF) welcomes the news that the pace of the NZ/UK FTA negotiation is to be lifted, but says a comprehensive market access package remains the key to unlocking a successful outcome. “Trade negotiations...
CPTPP – A Chance For UK To Show Its Trade Credentials
Media release, 31 January 2021 Seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a chance for the United Kingdom to demonstrate the extent of its commitment to open markets and effective trade rules”, says Stephen...
China FTA Upgrade Shows NZ Can Do Business With China
Media release, 26 January 2021 The virtual signing of the Upgrade of the New Zealand China Free Trade Agreement today is a great start to the new year, say business leaders from the NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF). “This is good news at a difficult time and...
New Zealand to Chair APEC Business Advisory Council
Media release, 1 December 2020 As New Zealand assumes the role of Chair of APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation) for 2021, Rachel Taulelei also takes over the role of Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “This is a unique opportunity for New Zealand...