We’re excited to have the support of the Prime Minister and to work with our government on shaping an agenda that reflects the modern and exciting nature of the trade relationship we share with the United States.
Jordan Small
Executive Director, NZUS Council
NZUS Council executive director, Jordan Small, welcomes the comments of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today at a Business NZ pre-Budget event that she will be actively pursuing an enhanced trade relationship with the United States during this term.
“This is an incredibly important relationship for New Zealand that is increasingly characterised by exciting and innovative export goods and services, technology and creative businesses, and leading-edge science and research,” said Mr Small.
The increased focus and commitment of the Prime Minister is critical to advancing the relationship and follows a virtual presentation to a U.S. business audience late last month. Also positive is the Prime Minister’s intention to lead a business delegation, when travel is again possible, which will provide much needed profile for New Zealand in the U.S..
“We’re excited to have the support of the Prime Minister and to work with our government on shaping an agenda that reflects the modern and exciting nature of the trade relationship we share with the United States. It has been encouraging to see the alignment across a range of issues, like climate, and further deepening of the relationship with the Biden administration” Mr Small said.
This provides an excellent basis for advancing the relationship, accelerating market diversification and supporting New Zealand’s post-covid recovery. The U.S. is already our 3rd largest individual market ($17.6B), characterised increasingly by high value goods and services delivering high-paying jobs. Trade data shows that in many of our highest value sectors the US is our number one or number two market after Australia.
“The U.S. is New Zealand’s largest market for telecommunications, computer and information services, and our second largest market for intellectual property exports. This is the knowledge-based, weightless, low-carbon economy we’ve been talking about for years.”
Mr Small says recent high profile and successful partnerships such as Rocket Lab demonstrate the huge potential for the relationship. An enhanced trade relationship would support the growth in innovative partnerships and technology exchanges that drive economic returns and job creation for our respective countries.
“The US and New Zealand are long-standing trading partners who have a shared commitment to fostering innovation, facilitating trade and commerce, and encouraging fair competition,” Mr Small says.
The NZUS Council is a New Zealand organisation, established in 2001, focused on advancing New Zealand’s interests in a stronger relationship with the US.