EU Trade Commissioner’s Visit Marks New Era in NZ-Europe Economic Partnership

“This is a significant moment for New Zealand’s international trade strategy,” said Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay.

 

In a significant diplomatic and economic milestone, European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will visit New Zealand this week to participate in the inaugural EU-New Zealand Business Summit in Auckland and the first NZ-EU Trade Committee meeting in Queenstown. The visit marks the first by an EU Trade Commissioner since 2018 and represents a new phase in the deepening partnership following the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which entered into force last year.

Reconnecting After Years of Negotiation

Commissioner Šefčovič’s visit is notable not only because of its timing—occurring just a year after the implementation of the landmark FTA—but also because it is the first high-level EU trade delegation to New Zealand since the formal launch of trade talks in 2018.

“This is a significant moment for New Zealand’s international trade strategy,” said Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay. “Commissioner Šefčovič’s presence reaffirms the importance of our partnership with the European Union.”

The commissioner will arrive on Friday, October 24, and depart the following day. His itinerary includes high-level engagements with New Zealand ministers, business leaders, and senior European officials to discuss bilateral trade, regulatory cooperation, investment opportunities, and climate-aligned economic development.

Auckland Business Summit to Host 400+ Companies

The headline event of the visit will be the EU-New Zealand Business Summit in Auckland, which is expected to bring together more than 400 companies from both regions. Business leaders and policymakers will engage in panel discussions, networking forums, and strategic briefings focused on key sectors such as:

• Renewable energy and clean tech

• Construction and infrastructure

• Cybersecurity and digital trade

• Food, beverage, and agritech

• Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology

All 26 EU member states will be represented, highlighting the collective commitment to deepening commercial ties with New Zealand under the new trade framework.

“This summit will open doors for trade, creating opportunities for business growth and investment, and will help us reach our goal of doubling export value within a decade,” Minister McClay said.

First NZ-EU Trade Committee Meeting in Queenstown

Following the summit, the inaugural NZ-EU Trade Committee meeting will take place in Queenstown on Saturday, October 25. This high-level meeting is a requirement under the FTA and serves as the main governance mechanism for ensuring its proper implementation and continuous improvement.

“I’m pleased to be hosting Commissioner Šefčovič for this milestone meeting,” McClay added. “We’re committed to unlocking the full potential of this agreement to boost trade, investment and partnership so businesses across New Zealand and Europe can flourish.”

The committee will review current implementation progress, explore areas for cooperation in sustainable trade, digital services, and dispute resolution mechanisms, and discuss upcoming workstreams under the agreement.

A $21.58 Billion Trading Relationship

The European Union remains one of New Zealand’s most important and stable trading partners. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), two-way trade in goods and services between New Zealand and the EU reached NZ$21.58 billion in the year to June 2025. Notably, New Zealand’s exports to the EU have increased by $2 billion since the Free Trade Agreement came into force.

This growth reflects not only the removal of many tariffs but also the streamlining of regulatory processes, expanded access for New Zealand's exporters (especially in the dairy, meat, and wine sectors), and improved investment protections.

Strategic Alignment in Trade and Sustainability

Commissioner Šefčovič, who also oversees climate and energy portfolios within the EU, is expected to engage with New Zealand officials on sustainable trade practices, green technology cooperation, and alignment of carbon border adjustments. Both the EU and New Zealand have expressed interest in ensuring that trade liberalisation goes hand-in-hand with environmental and labour protections, as outlined in the FTA.

The EU-New Zealand FTA is considered one of the most modern trade deals in New Zealand’s portfolio, including comprehensive provisions on:

• Sustainable development and emissions reductions

• Digital trade and cross-border data flows

• Geographical indications and food quality standards

• SME access and public procurement

Looking Ahead: A Platform for Future Growth

The Commissioner’s visit and the business summit are expected to catalyse new joint ventures, investment deals, and export agreements, while laying the groundwork for future strategic dialogues on economic resilience and global supply chain security.

With Europe focused on diversifying its trade partners and New Zealand aiming to increase its global export footprint, this week’s events mark a pivotal step in reshaping the transcontinental relationship for mutual prosperity.