NZ, Phl target 50% growth in trade by 2030

New Zealand is deepening its partnership with the Philippines across trade, investment, and sustainable development, with both nations on track to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership by 2026, according to New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Catherine McIntosh.

Trade between the two countries reached P56 billion (NZ$1.63 billion) as of March 2025, marking strong progress toward a shared goal of expanding two-way trade by 50 percent by 2030. “We see growing opportunities for Filipino and New Zealand firms to partner in food and agritech, digital services, and education,” McIntosh said.

She noted that both countries are aligning efforts in geothermal energy and climate-smart agriculture, areas where New Zealand’s expertise complements Philippine priorities. The embassy is also tripling postgraduate scholarship allocations under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme, aimed at building skills for a green and knowledge-based economy.

On the defense and security front, the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement signed in Manila earlier this year will enable joint training, humanitarian response, and capacity-building initiatives — part of a broader push to strengthen Indo-Pacific cooperation.

Beyond trade and diplomacy, McIntosh emphasized that people remain “at the heart of our relationship,” citing the contributions of the growing Filipino community in New Zealand and local initiatives such as the I-LEAD program in Mindanao, which promotes indigenous women’s leadership and empowerment.

“In the Philippines, bayanihan — the spirit of helping one another — sits comfortably alongside New Zealand’s manaakitanga and whanaungatanga,” she said. “These values underpin our cooperation — from disaster response to community development and education.”

With both nations preparing to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, coinciding with the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship, McIntosh said the timing underscores the momentum and promise of our shared future.

“Our door is open. Let’s build this future together,” she said.