Singapore and New Zealand strengthen cooperation across trade, supply chains, and innovation during official visit.
Singapore, 4 May 2026 – Singapore Prime Minister, Mr Lawrence Wong and New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr Christopher Luxon held the inaugural Singapore–New Zealand Annual Leaders’ Meeting during the official visit of the New Zealand Prime Minister to Singapore.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong and longstanding relations between Singapore and New Zealand, following the launch of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in October 2025. Both leaders noted progress across key areas of cooperation, including trade, defence, technology, climate initiatives, and supply chain connectivity.
The two countries have collaborated on several major international initiatives, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement. Ongoing discussions also include the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership and the Green Economy Partnership Agreement (GEPA), which is under negotiation.
The leaders also discussed enhancing cooperation between ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum, particularly during their respective chairmanships in 2027, and reaffirmed strong defence and security ties.
Following the meeting, both Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES), described as the world’s first legally binding bilateral agreement focused on supply chain resilience.
The agreement commits both countries to maintaining trade flows during disruptions and to avoiding unnecessary export restrictions on essential goods such as food, fuel, healthcare, and construction materials.
The leaders also welcomed the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding on healthcare cooperation, aimed at strengthening collaboration in areas such as pandemic preparedness and supply chain resilience for medical supplies.
In addition, an Implementing Arrangement on the Use of Electronic Certification for Trade in Food and Primary Products was concluded, which is expected to streamline processes for agri-food trade.
Earlier in the day, Mr Wong and Mr Luxon delivered opening remarks at the Singapore–New Zealand Leadership Forum, where they encouraged businesses to deepen partnerships and explore new opportunities. Mr Wong also encouraged New Zealand companies to use Singapore as a base for expansion into Southeast Asia.
As part of the visit, Mr Wong will host an official lunch for Mr Luxon on 4 May. On 5 May, Mr Luxon is scheduled to meet Seah Kian Peng and call on Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
Source: MFA
