NZ to Host OECD Secretary-General for Trade and Economic Discussions

New Zealand's trade with the 38 OECD member countries totaled $47.28 billion last year, underscoring the significance of these relationships.

New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay, announced today that the Government will welcome the Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Mathias Cormann, for an official visit on 27-28 August.

Minister McClay expressed his enthusiasm for hosting Secretary-General Cormann, marking his first official visit to New Zealand. "This visit presents a valuable opportunity to showcase the Government’s trade and economic priorities," said McClay.

The Government has set an ambitious goal of doubling New Zealand's trade value over the next decade. Minister McClay emphasized the importance of insights from the OECD in addressing global challenges such as economic growth, the public demand for resilient trade systems, and the integration of transformative digital technologies. "To achieve our trade aspirations, the expertise and analysis provided by the OECD will be invaluable," McClay noted.

New Zealand's trade with the 38 OECD member countries totaled $47.28 billion last year, underscoring the significance of these relationships. The OECD serves as an essential international platform for New Zealand to deepen these ties, exchange best practices, and cooperate with other leading economies. It also offers access to crucial economic data and evidence-based analysis that inform policy decisions.

During the visit, Secretary-General Cormann will engage with a range of New Zealand leaders, including the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, other government ministers, senior officials, academics, and business leaders. Accompanying him will be Marion Jansen, the Director of the OECD’s Trade and Agriculture Directorate.

The OECD is a renowned forum and knowledge hub that facilitates data exchange, analysis, and best practices in public policy across its member countries, which span North and South America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.