The Korea New Zealand Business Council (KNZBC), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and supported by PwC New Zealand, hosted a Post-APEC & CSP 2025 Debriefing Seminar to provide New Zealand businesses with timely insights following Korea’s APEC Summit and the announcement of the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

This year marks an important milestone for Korea–New Zealand relations, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Korea–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (KNZFTA) and Korea’s successful hosting of APEC 2025. The seminar explored the implications of these developments for trade, policy, and future cooperation.

Key Highlights from the Briefings

Korea’s Hosting of APEC 2025

Ambassador H.E. Dawn Bennet outlined Korea’s diplomatic achievements, including its successful management of high-profile leaders, strong global reception, and the effective execution of the summit in Gongju despite infrastructure challenges. Public approval in Korea was notably high, reinforcing confidence in the new government.

New Zealand Prime Minister’s Visit to Korea

The Prime Minister’s extended visit strengthened bilateral ties through high-level meetings, participation in business events, and the launch of the Green Economic Partnership Agreement. Both sides emphasised the positive momentum and deepening cooperation across economic and strategic areas.

Launch of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)

The elevation of the bilateral relationship introduces new frameworks for cooperation in political, economic, security, scientific, and people-to-people engagement. The CSP institutionalises annual high-level dialogues, creates new mechanisms for economic security collaboration, and expands joint work in emerging technologies, sustainability, defence, and disaster response.

Future Trade Prospects: FTA Upgrade & CPTPP

Discussions highlighted opportunities to modernise the existing FTA to include digital trade, space, critical minerals, and economic security, alongside New Zealand’s interest in Korea’s potential accession to the CPTPP. Political timing in Korea may create a favourable window for progress.

APEC 2025 Outcomes & Opportunities for NZ Businesses

MFAT’s Shee-Jeong Park emphasised APEC’s significance for New Zealand’s trade environment, the role of ABAC in elevating business perspectives, and the forum’s unique convening power in navigating geopolitical tensions. APEC continues to offer critical channels for engagement, dialogue, and regional cooperation.

Korea–NZ FTA Impact & Business Opportunities

Trade between the two countries has more than doubled since the FTA’s launch, with major gains in kiwifruit, wine, and refined petroleum. Further opportunities remain in agriculture, technology, the cultural sector, and new CSP-aligned priority areas such as space and green innovation.

Demographic & Technological Trends in APEC

Speakers addressed demographic decline across APEC economies—particularly Korea—and the growing reliance on AI and technology to drive productivity in response to shrinking workforces.