Thailand and New Zealand Sign Strategic Partnership, Target USD 7.5B in Trade by 2045

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have signed a Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

Both leaders committed to tripling bilateral trade to USD 7.5 billion by 2045, advancing the Thailand-New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership (TNZCEP), and securing New Zealand's full support for Thailand's bid for OECD membership.

● Joint Plan of Action 2026–2030: Four Key Pillars

• Pillar 1: Political & Security

Strengthening cooperation against transnational crime, online scams, and human trafficking, alongside closer law enforcement information-sharing.

• Pillar 2: Economy, Trade & Innovation Boosting trade, investment, food and energy security, the green economy, and sustainable agriculture — while working toward the 2045 trade target and updating the TNZCEP.

• Pillar 3: Education, Culture & People-to-People Ties 

Deepening collaboration in education, skills development, innovation, and cultural exchange.

• Pillar 4:

Regional & Multilateral Cooperation 

Working together through Mekong frameworks, ASEAN-led mechanisms, and APEC to uphold a rules-based international order and sustainable development.

● Four Agreements Signed 

The two leaders witnessed the signing of:

1. Cultural Cooperation Agreement between the governments of Thailand and New Zealand

2. MoU on cooperation between Thailand’s Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) and Education New Zealand

3. Agreement on partnership and information exchange between the Royal Thai Police and New Zealand Police

4. Private sector MoU between Chata Instruments Company Limited and Aeroqual Limited

● Boosting Connectivity 

Thai Airways plans to resume direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland by March 2027, supporting tourism, trade, and investment, with the Prime Minister pushing for an even earlier launch.

This milestone sets the stage for deeper ties and shared economic success between Thailand and New Zealand.

Source: PR Thai Government