Launched in June 2007, NZIBF brings together business leaders from some of New Zealand’s largest internationally oriented companies together with the country’s peak business organisations.

Collectively, these business leaders from the dairy, meat, seafood, kiwifruit, apples, pears, wine and services industries represent companies and sectors with a combined turnover in excess of $30 billion. The business organisations represent New Zealand’s export, manufacturing and services sectors.

NZIBF is the only forum where these multi-sector leaders gather to discuss strategic trade and investment issues.  The Board meets four times a year and directs NZIBF’s work programme according to a 3-year strategic plan and an annual business plan. NZIBF’s work programme is supported by a range of associate members who receive regular updates, are engaged directly in NZIBF activities and meet at least twice a year with the Board.

Our funding

NZIBF is funded by the private sector through contributions from its Board and associate members. NZIBF receives no government funding for its core operational budget, but may partner with the Government on specific projects.  NZIBF co-funds with the Government the advice and support provided under contract to the New Zealand members of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). New Zealand companies and business organisations who wish to support NZIBF’s work are invited to contact the Executive Director.

Our role

We exist to improve the environment for trade and investment. We engage directly with the Government, both Ministers and officials, on trade and investment issues and we promote understanding of the importance of freer trade and investment to everyday Kiwis.

We do this through networking and submissions, through liaison with government agencies, through engagement with organisations like ABAC and counterpart business organisations in other economies, through regular contributions to business and trade media and speeches and presentations to public audiences.

We are also proud to support our sister organisations – the NZ US Council and the NZ China Council.

Our annual report

Our most recent annual report may be found here.

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Latest News

“MEAGRE OUTCOME” FROM WTO IN ABU DHABI – BUSINESS FORUM

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Despite its overwhelming importance at the heart of the international trade system, members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) have concluded their Ministerial in Abu Dhabi (“MC13”) with only a meagre outcome.

To go or woe with the WTO?

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In our latest Trade Working blog Stephen Jacobi and Stephanie Honey look at prospects for #WTO #MC13.

Asia-Pacific business leaders call for greater economic dynamism with people at the center of the APEC agenda

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The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), meeting this week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, expressed deep concerns about the growing pressures of economic fragmentation and the risks that this poses to growth, inclusion and the climate fight.

ABAC Statement on WTO MC13 – February 2024

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Now, more than ever, the world needs a credible, relevant, and effective multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core.

Global Industry Statement on the WTO Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions

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NZIBF has joined 170 international business associations in calling for a extension to the current moratorium on tariffs applying to digital services (like Netflix) at the forthcoming WTO Ministerial meeting.

SUBMISSION TO THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE

GENERAL REVIEW OF THE COMPREHENSIVE AND PROGRESSIVE AGREEMENT FOR TRANS- PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP (CPTPP) DECEMBER 2023 Summary This submission is made on behalf of the New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF). As individual NZIBF Members may make their own...