Auckland: New Zealand and Thailand have officially upgraded their relationship to a "strategic partnership," a move aimed at boosting trade and resuming direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland, according to reports from New Zealand media.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, shared insights from New Zealand media coverage of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's visit to New Zealand. Scoop New Zealand reported on the official launch of the New Zealand-Thailand Strategic Partnership in Auckland, following a meeting between the two nations' leaders, Prime Minister Anutin and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Laxon. During this meeting, the leaders outlined long-term cooperation plans, aiming to increase bilateral trade to NZ$13.5 billion by 2045.
The report highlighted a statement from the New Zealand government, emphasizing that the visit marked a clear direction for the relationship between the two countries, rooted in friendship, trust, and people-to-people connections built over the past 70 years. The strategic partnership elevates Thailand-New Zealand relations, providing a crucial framework for future cooperation. Economically, the New Zealand Prime Minister pointed out that Thailand's economic size, production potential, and regional connectivity offer significant opportunities for New Zealand exporters and businesses. This is particularly true in expanding trade cooperation and enhancing supply chain resilience, allowing New Zealand businesses access to the Thai market and positioning Thailand as a gateway to the ASEAN market with over 600 million consumers.
Ms. Lalida also mentioned that people-to-people connectivity is another important focus for New Zealand. Both leaders welcomed Thai Airways' plan to resume direct flights between Auckland and Bangkok next year. The New Zealand Prime Minister indicated that this move would benefit both tourism and trade, aiding in the revival of air cargo routes and expanding connectivity through Bangkok to the broader Asian region. Economic News NZ analyzed the situation from a business viewpoint, noting that Thailand is a crucial market for New Zealand exporters, especially for agricultural products and dairy goods. This underscores Thailand's role as a significant economic market and key trading partner for New Zealand businesses. The upgraded relationship to a strategic partnership is expected to open opportunities for discussions and further cooperation in trade, investment, food, agriculture, and supply chains between the two countries.
From New Zealand's perspective, Thailand is seen as more than just a market for goods and services; it is also viewed as a vital link to ASEAN. The objective of increasing bilateral trade to NZ$13.5 billion by 2045 reflects both countries' aspirations to transform this enhanced relationship into tangible economic results in trade, investment, supply chain connectivity, and business opportunities for both nations, Ms. Lalida explained.
The Deputy Spokesperson further noted that the Economic News NZ analysis identified both opportunities and challenges in market access within certain sectors, particularly dairy products. This suggests that there are still unresolved issues that both parties can address collaboratively within the framework of the upgraded relationship. However, she cautioned that this is a business analysis and should not be seen as concluding all trade negotiations. 'This report from New Zealand underscores three critical aspects: the upgrading of Thailand-New Zealand relations to a formal strategic partnership, the clear objective of expanding mutual trade value, and the acknowledgment of Thailand's potential as both a key market and a gateway to ASEAN. The government aims to leverage the opportunities from this strengthened relationship to concretely benefit trade, investment, entrepreneurs, and the people of both countries,' Ms. Lalida concluded.