Former High Commissioner to India Rupert Holborow has been posted to Bonn to serve as our Ambassador to Germany.
He is currently Divisional Manager of the Economic Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Exports Work-Stream Lead for the Government’s Business Growth Agenda, as well as a Vice-Chair of the OECD Trade Committee.
His assignment included the role as Chief Negotiator for the ever-elusive Free Trade Agreement with India.
He was a regular columnist of Indian Newslink during his three-year tenure in New Delhi (from 2007 to 2010).
Major Trading Partner
Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee said that New Zealand enjoys an excellent relationship with Germany, with extensive political, trade, scientific and tourism links.
“Germany is an influential member of the European Union, and we work together closely at the United Nations on global issues such as human rights, disarmament, security and climate change,” he said.
Germany is also a major trading partner for New Zealand. Two-way trade amounts to over $3 billion per year, and Germany’s ongoing support for a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union is critical to achieving New Zealand’s ambitions.
“Over 96,000 German tourists visit New Zealand each year and around 4000 students travel from Germany to study here annually,” Mr Brownlee said.
Married to Pauline, the couple has two sons (Toby and Sam) and a daughter (Jemima).
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Photo Caption:
Rupert Holborow
