As a small, open, and market-driven economy we need to be globally connected to drive innovation, investment and prosperity. We also need to influence and shape international regulatory and market approaches directed at facilitating the economic transition.
The Ministry:
- Promotes New Zealand’s green economy and climate-resilient brand internationally;
- Leads internationally on ensuring trade policy and climate objectives are mutually supportive (such as through the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade, and Sustainability, EUFTA, UK FTA);
- Makes climate cooperation a major strand of key bilateral relationships;
- Works to harness opportunities and manage risk from climate policy shifts by our trading partners;
- Directs economic diplomacy towards support for New Zealand exporters, investors and innovators; and
- Supports New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions future by working offshore – to find the technologies, best practices, innovation and investment New Zealand needs to accelerate emissions reductions at home, and to help New Zealand providers of transition technologies and services to find opportunities in markets offshore.
New Zealand’s Climate Change Ambassador, Stu Horne, leads the Ministry’s Economic Division.