New Zealand and Korea

NZIBF is committed to working towards the closest possible relationship between New Zealand and Korea that reflects the strong ties between the two countries and their growing economies.

NZIBF believes that Korea needs to be positioned alongside Australia, the United States, Japan, China and the European Union as key economic partners for New Zealand in the 21st century.  Today, New Zealand and Korea's relationship is characterised by shared interests in the peace and security of the Asia Pacific region, expanding trade and investment ties, positive scientific cooperation and strong connections through education and tourism.

NZIBF is firmly of the view that New Zealand and Korea should commence negotiations towards a free trade agreement. It will encourage an expansion of trade and investment and provide a framework for our economic relations in the 21st century.  NZIBF welcomes the exploratory study that was commissioned by both countries on the benefits of an FTA.

It is fundamental that New Zealand continues to develop the progress made in December 2006, when Prime Minister Helen Clark and President Roh Moo-Hyun agreed a 'Partnership for the 21st Century' between New Zealand and Korea.

Links: 

New Zealand - Korea FTA Feasibility Study / New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) and the Korean Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP).

NZIBF submission to MFAT on the proposed FTA with Korea (February 2009).

Joint Statement from the 27th Joint Meeting of the Korea-New Zealand and New Zealand-Korea Business Councils (28 June 2011).