Bill English
Wellington, May 24, 2017
Many New Zealanders recognise that our country’s future lies in being an open, outward-facing country which embraces the economic opportunities global trade offers.
This reflects that we are a relatively small country, and we will not get rich by trading with ourselves. International trade will help us diversify and grow our economy, create more jobs and lift wages.
That is why I visited Japan and Hong Kong last week along with a delegation of New Zealand business people to build on our growing relationship with the Asia-Pacific region.
We have a real respect for the depth and sophistication of both the Japanese and Hong Kong economies. They have each played an important role in New Zealand’s economic success.
Tokyo Talks
In Tokyo, I had the pleasure of meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe where we discussed a range of issues including trade and security, as well as initiatives our countries are working on together in food, science and technology, education, sport and defence.
We also focused on the next steps in reigniting a new Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Japan was the first country to ratify new the TPP and I am delighted that New Zealand was the second.
The decision sends a clear message that we, like the Japanese, see continuing value in the agreement both economically and strategically.
We also shared our concerns on regional and international issues including North Korea, and the threat of international terrorism. And we agreed that renewable energy and agriculture will be two areas we will focus on in the next few years.
Finally, I was pleased to announce that the All Blacks will play a test in Japan in November 2018. It should be a great game.
Hello Hong Kong
Following Japan, I visited Hong Kong to meet with business people from the region. This is another important relationship for New Zealand, and I enjoyed meeting some of the largest Hong Kong investors in New Zealand with a view to facilitating greater business and trade opportunities for our exporters.
Our successful trade agenda has contributed to getting the Government’s books in good order. You may have seen the Crown accounts released last week, showing a surplus of $1.5 billion in the first nine months of this year.
These rising surpluses allow us to make positive choices for all New Zealanders.
New houses
A great example was just last week, when Housing Minister Amy Adams announced that the Government’s Crown Building Project will replace 8300 old, rundown houses in Auckland with 34,000 brand new purpose-built houses over 10 years.
These houses will be for our most vulnerable families, first-home buyers, and the wider market. We are building more social houses for Aucklanders and helping provide a pathway into independent, affordable housing.
By building a strong and growing economy and putting the Government’s books in order, we are in an excellent position to improve public services, invest in infrastructure, and ensure that all Kiwis can share in New Zealand’s success.
Bill English is Prime Minister of New Zealand. In the picture, he is see with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) and Incoming Hong Kong CE Chief Executive Carrie Lam (right).
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