Executive Director Stephen Jacobi offers his annual end of year round up. Amidst some challenging times, he reports some light in the tunnel.
Trade Working Blog
Featured Articles

A YEAR FOR RECONNECTING
As I write this end of year dispatch, NZIBF is preparing to host the first meeting for 2023 of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). We are looking forward to welcoming the 200 or so business leaders and senior officials from APEC member economies across the...

WHAT’S IN A NAME?
The now widespread use of the term “Indo Pacific” to describe the region to which New Zealand belongs brings a risk of geographical confusion. When did the “Asia Pacific” become the Indo Pacific? For thirty years or more New Zealand has sought to enhance...

THE NZ/EU FTA IS LIKE THE CURATE’S EGG
In which we like the good parts of the NZ EU FTA…. Who remembers the curate’s egg? It’s when the nervous Curate, asked by the Bishop, if everything is ok with his boiled egg, replies “It’s good in parts, my Lord”. So too the recently concluded NZ/EU FTA, which has...
REGISTER WITH TRADE WORKS
Register to stay up to date with latest news, as well as saving and discussing articles you’re interested in.

A YEAR FOR RECONNECTING
As I write this end of year dispatch, NZIBF is preparing to host the first meeting for 2023 of the...

WHAT’S IN A NAME?
The now widespread use of the term “Indo Pacific” to describe the region to which New Zealand...

THE NZ/EU FTA IS LIKE THE CURATE’S EGG
In which we like the good parts of the NZ EU FTA…. Who remembers the curate’s egg? It’s when the...

FROM APEC AND CPTPP TO IPEF – SMALL STEP OR GIANT LEAP?
The US idea of an Indo Pacific Framework (IPEF) continues to gain traction but is not without...

NZ/EU FTA – BLESSED BE THE CHEESEMAKERS
Will the NZ/EU FTA ever be finished, asks Stephen Jacobi. In the Monty Python film, “Life of...

GUEST POST: “Imagine if… Building a new future for Indigenous trade”
Indigenous business leaders from the APEC region contributed to the first-ever ABAC Indigenous...

Let’s try that again: Happy new year!
In another year of disruption and loss there have been some surprising wins for trade. The kindest...

A little breathing room at the WTO
A little breathing room at the WTO The emergence of Omicron has meant that the WTO Ministerial...

Five Minutes to MC12
In a fortnight’s time, Ministers from the 164 members of the World Trade Organisation will gather...
A YEAR FOR RECONNECTING
Executive Director Stephen Jacobi offers his annual end of year round up. Amidst some challenging times, he reports some light in the tunnel.
MAJOR GATHERING OF ASIA-PACIFIC BUSINESS LEADERS TO BE HELD IN AUCKLAND, 12-14 FEBRUARY 2023
The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) will meet in Auckland from 12 to 14 February to discuss key themes of sustainability, digitalisation and resilient, inclusive trade.
NZ Herald: Time to lift our game in India
Following his recent visit to India our Executive Director Stephen Jacobi penned this article advocating a more strategic approach to the further development of the relationship. The article was published by the NZ Herald on 9 December.
APEC Rolls out Priorities for 2023
Aiming to provide tailwinds for member economies to strengthen recovery and resilience, as well as advance broad-based economic growth, the United States rolled out its theme and priorities for when it hosts APEC in 2023.
NZIBF 2022 Chair Report
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022 CHAIR’S REPORT I am pleased to present my second report on the activities and achievements of the NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF) for 2022-23, our fifteenth year of operations. At the outset I would like to thank Members for...
APEC Leaders Issue 2022 Declaration and the Bangkok Goals on the Bio-Circular-Green Economy
The Leaders of the 21 APEC member economies issued the 2022 Leaders’ Declaration following the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting chaired by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha.
NZ BUSINESS LEADERS AT APEC 2022
New Zealand business will be represented at the APEC Leaders’ Week in Bangkok, commencing 13 November, by members of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).
Submission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Re-Development of the Framework for Integrating Labour Standards and Trade Agreements
Submission by NZIBF – October 2022 This submission is made on behalf of the NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF), whose members are listed at Annex A[1]. NZIBF is a forum of senior business leaders working together to promote New Zealand’s engagement in the global...
Address to the 51st One Stop Update for The Accountant In Business, 25 October 2022
Stephen Jacobi, NZIBF’s Executive Director, gives an economic update for The Accountant In Business.
Submission to MPI on Modernising Our Export Assurances Systems: Legislative Options
Export New Zealand (ExportNZ) and the New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF) welcome the opportunity to comment on the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) Modernising Our Export Assurance Systems: Legislative Options Consultation Document.