Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is travelling to the United Kingdom and France this week for a series of high-level trade meetings aimed at “strengthening New Zealand’s international economic relationships” and promoting investment opportunities.
The visit comes as New Zealand and the United Kingdom mark the third anniversary of their free trade agreement, with two-way trade between the countries reaching a record $7.4 billion in 2025.
McClay said the agreement had delivered significant gains for New Zealand exporters, with total exports to the UK rising 75 per cent since the deal came into force. Goods exports increased by more than 22 per cent over the past year, driven largely by strong demand for New Zealand meat products, while business services exports climbed 28 per cent.
During his time in Britain, McClay will meet UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle and Trade Minister Chris Bryant. He will also co-chair the third ministerial meeting of the NZ-UK Free Trade Agreement Joint Committee alongside Kyle to review progress made under the agreement.
Following the UK visit, McClay will travel to Paris to serve as Vice-Chair of the annual OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. In that role, he will help lead discussions on global trade conditions and measures to encourage cross-border investment.
McClay said the OECD remains an important forum for New Zealand to work alongside like-minded nations on shared economic challenges and benefit from international policy expertise.
While in Paris, he is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with representatives from the European Union, Canada, China and Germany.
The minister said maintaining strong trade relationships was vital for New Zealand’s economy, noting that one in four New Zealand jobs is linked to international trade. He said expanding export opportunities and investment links would help support business growth, higher incomes and employment across the country.
