In a strategic move to bolster New Zealand’s economic ties with Southeast Asia, Committee for Auckland Board Director and AcademyEx Founder/Director Frances Valintine recently joined Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts with a New Zealand business delegation to Southeast Asia.

With Southeast Asia collectively forming the world’s fifth-largest economy, New Zealand’s NZ$9.1 billion export figure in 2023 speaks volumes about the existing commercial bonds. The purpose of the visit was not only to reinforce existing ties but also to explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in high-growth sectors such as green energy that promise mutual benefits.

The visit kicked off in Singapore, where PM Luxon’s discussions with Singaporean leaders resulted in agreements to upgrade the Enhanced Partnership. These agreements introduce a new focus on supply chains and green economy initiatives and are expected to open doors for increased trade and cooperation in essential areas like energy, defence, and technology.

A particular highlight of the time in Singapore was The Centre for Strategic Futures (CSF), a forward-thinking institution nestled within the Strategy Group of the Prime Minister’s Office. Its core mission is to position Singapore effectively for future challenges and opportunities by identifying and analysing long-term trends that could significantly impact the nation. 

The core focus of CSF is Futures research and scenario planning, crafting narratives that explore possible future developments across multiple domains and includes working with Singaporean government agencies to integrate strategic foresight into their planning processes and public engagement efforts to instil a broader societal understanding of future uncertainties and preparedness.

From Singapore, the delegation travelled to Thailand, where Prime Minister Luxon met with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to unveil ambitious plans, including elevating bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership by 2026 and tripling trade volumes by 2045. These discussions underscored a shared vision of deepening economic cooperation.

The journey concluded in the Philippines, where Prime Minister Luxon’s discussions with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. culminated in a commitment to elevate the Philippines-New Zealand relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership by 2026 and to boost bilateral trade by 50 percent by 2030. The visit was marked by significant agreements, such as a strategic cooperation arrangement between NZTE and the Ayala Group, which promises to open doors for New Zealand businesses in innovative and green economy sectors.

Highlighting the synergy between New Zealand’s technological and environmental expertise and Southeast Asian economic dynamism, Morrison Global announced an investment in a Philippine renewable energy company, signalling strong confidence in the region’s green energy sector. Additionally, the delegation’s involvement in the Manila-headquartered Asian Development Bank’s Energy Transition Mechanism emphasised New Zealand’s commitment to supporting sustainable energy initiatives across Southeast Asia. 

The trip not only emphasised the economic potential but also showcased New Zealand’s readiness to play a significant role in the region’s future growth and sustainability initiatives. It underlined New Zealand’s proactive, forward-looking approach, fostering ties that extend beyond trade to cultural and environmental cooperation.