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Highlights
- After February 2020, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made her first tour abroad to Singapore and Japan.
- Ardern is on a trade mission to rebuild the NZ economy by reconnecting with these 2 countries.
- Ardern is scheduled to spend 2 nights in Singapore this week before heading to Japan for next 3 nights.
NZ’s PM Jacinda Ardern made her first foreign trip this week after over 2 years to Japan and Singapore. The trip, which is likely to end on Sunday, has been made to help NZ in rebuilding its economy by reconnecting with its closest Indo-Pacific partners. Japan is the fourth-largest trading partner of NZ, while Singapore is the fifth, both representing nearly $15 billion of 2-way trade.
Ardern is being accompanied by Damien O’Connor, NZ’s Minister for Trade and Export Growth, and 13 other business leaders from the dairy, food, tourism, technology and renewable energy sectors.
Source: © Johnkevinreglos | Megapixl.com
Ardern reached Singapore on 18 April and is scheduled to spend 2 nights in the country before heading to Japan for next 3 nights.
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As per the NZ government, the trip is a trade mission indicating that NZ is open for business. Ardern will hold talks with Singapore’s PM Lee Hsien Loong and Japan’s PM Kishida Fumio during the tour.
Climate change as a key focus in NZ-Singapore partnership
Singapore and NZ are members of the trans-Pacific trade agreement (CPTPP), signed in 2018, and are likely to discuss the same. Ardern has been eager to consider the possibility of tempting the US to join the pact and discuss regional security matters that include China’s security pact with the Solomon Islands.
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PMs of Singapore and NZ have added climate change as the key focus in their 2019 partnership contract that also includes decarbonising the aviation sector. The climate clause will see officials teaming up on the climate policy and mutually funded research, including continuing work on standards for hydrogen and sustainable aviation.
Other pillars included security and defence, trade and economics, science, people-to-people links, technology and innovation.
Ardern to discuss global and regional challenges on her Japan visit
Ardern also has plans to meet up with Japanese PM Fumio Kishida to talk about global and regional challenges for the first time. She'll also speak at the Japan-New Zealand Business Council and will interact with high-profile business and industry executives, particularly those in the renewable energy and technology industries.
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Through interactions with Japanese media and education partners, the Prime Minister will also showcase New Zealand's tourist and education industries.
This year will commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic connections with Japan.
(NOTE: Currency is reported in NZ Dollar unless stated otherwise)
