The Government has launched Invest New Zealand, a new initiative aimed at making New Zealand a top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). This agency will focus on attracting capital to critical infrastructure, fostering innovation, increasing R&D, and enhancing global connections. Incubated within New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), it will transition into an autonomous agency to drive international investment and economic growth.

The Government is simplifying export regulations for New Zealand food products to facilitate trade and innovation. By introducing a two-stage system for export exemptions, the changes will reduce costs, streamline processes, and enhance opportunities for industries like dairy, projected to generate $25.8 billion in export revenue by June 2025.

The modernisation of New Zealand’s trade certification system, which underpins $33 billion in exports, is improving reliability and adaptability for exporters. The wine sector is the first to benefit from the new system, which will streamline processes and enhance compliance with international agreements like the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement.

New Zealand’s Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay signed the Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) with Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland, during APEC in Peru. This landmark agreement eliminates tariffs on sustainable goods, enhances market access for key New Zealand exports, and supports the renewable energy sector while introducing international eco-labelling guidelines.