CPTPP is the world’s leading open plurilateral FTA. Growing its Membership offers us an opportunity to open markets, develop and modernise trading relationships and reinforce global rules-based trade.
New Zealand supports growing CPTPP by accessions of economies who can demonstrate their readiness to meet the Auckland Principles, which are:
- A preparedness to meet the Agreement’s high standards;
- A demonstrated pattern of complying with trade commitments, and
- Members’ consensus to progress an applicant’s request.
Costa Rica submitted its request to join CPTPP on 10 August 2022 and after demonstrating its ability to meet the Auckland Principles, Members announced the decision to establish its Accession Working Group (AWG) in November 2024. Members are currently engaging with Costa Rica on its ability to comply with the obligations of CPTPP, including high quality market access commitments.
This public engagement process is an opportunity for New Zealanders to have a say on Costa Rica acceding to CPTPP.
How to submit your feedback
Please visit this link to submit your feedback(external link) and complete a short survey. Please complete the survey by 30 June 2025.
If you have questions, please get in touch with us at CPTPP@mfat.govt.nz.
Next steps
Feedback will be used to inform our approach to Costa Rica’s accession process.
Consultation on the CPTPP General Review
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) also welcomes further feedback on the first CPTPP General Review.
The General Review is mandated by the CPTPP Text, which states that the Agreement should be reviewed at least every five years. Due to COVID-19 disruptions, this process was postponed to the 2024-2025 period.
The General Review will assess the operation of the Agreement and identify provisions that would benefit from potential revision, updating, and inclusion, to ensure that CPTPP remains relevant, modern, of the highest standard, and is focused on maximizing benefits for all Members.
If you wish to get in contact about the General Review, please email CPTPP@mfat.govt.nz.
Additional Resources
Vancouver Statement(external link) | Annex – Interim Report by Senior Officials to Ministers on Progress on the General Review of CPTPP