New Zealand Minister Damien O’ Connor with DTI Secretary Fred Pascual

DETROIT, USA–At the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) meeting on 26 May 2023, Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual met with his counterpart from New Zealand—Minister Damien O’Connor. Both Ministers have agreed to strengthen the two countries’ cooperation on trade, renewable energy, agricultural development, and workforce development and upskilling.

Minister O’Connor also expressed gratitude to the Philippines for the significant contribution of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to New Zealand’s economy, especially in the agriculture and health sector. New Zealand also encouraged the Philippines to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

For his part, Secretary Pascual encouraged New Zealand to make more investments in the Philippines and share their expertise on renewable and clean energy, noting that New Zealand is also taking steps toward carbon neutrality and has access to advanced geothermal technology.

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