This week I will travel to Aotearoa-New Zealand to advance our bilateral trade and economic relationship.
I am delighted to be visiting New Zealand for the first time as the Minister for Trade and Tourism. Our Trans-Tasman relationship is underpinned by strong bonds of friendship, shared interests and a common outlook.
I look forward to participating in the Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER) talks and to canvass pathways to sustainable economic growth in our region.
During the CER talks with the New Zealand Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Damien O'Connor, we will explore opportunities to further strengthen our economic integration and set an ambitious forward agenda for our partnership ahead of the 40th anniversary of CER in 2023.
As we face uncertain global conditions, the Trans-Tasman vision for open, prosperous and resilient economies is more important than ever. CER is widely recognised as the gold standard for trade agreements and is a key driver of growth, business opportunities and jobs in both our economies.
While in New Zealand, I will also meet the New Zealand Minister for Tourism, Stuart Nash, as well as New Zealand tourism operators and Australian businesses, for discussions on cooperating to grow our two-way travel and visitor economies following the COVID-19 pandemic.
I will also meet government and business representatives from the Australia-New Zealand Leaders Forum to discuss emerging opportunities for innovation and growth.
New Zealand is a long-term friend and partner of Australia, and I look forward to discussing the ways we can advance the interests of businesses, workers and communities in our region.
