New Zealand Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Manatū Aorere
13 April 2021
195 Lambton Quay
Private Bag 18−901
Wellington 6160
New Zealand
Adam Irish
T +64 4 439 8000
[FYI request #14921 email]
F +64 4 472 9596
OIA 27324
Tēnā koe Adam Irish
I refer to your email of 14 March 2021 in which you request the following under the Official
Information Act 1982 (OIA):
…
What steps are being taken to diversify our trade away from China and towards other
democratic countries such as those countries, USA, India, Australia, and Japan in the
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) forum.
Trade diversification forms part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s general trade
strategy, and is achieved through a number of methods. This includes opening up and
protecting exporting and investment opportunities, by negotiating free trade agreements, and
tackling non-tariff barriers. Trade diversification also forms part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s
post COVID-19 trade recovery strategy. You can find more information about the trade
recovery strategy online at:
https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/trade-recovery-strategy/trade-recovery-strategy-
overview/
Support for Trade Recovery | New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(mfat.govt.nz)
In addition, New Zealand is vigilant against any foreign interference that could affect our
economy. Further details are withheld under the following sections of the OIA:
6(a): to avoid prejudicing the international relations of the New Zealand Government;
and
9(2)(j): to avoid prejudice to negotiations.
Please note that we may publish this letter (with your personal details redacted) on the
Ministry’s website. You have the right under section 28(3) of the OIA to seek a review of this
response by the Ombudsman.
Nāku noa, nā
Julie-Anne Lee
for Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade
e [MFAT request email]
w www.mfat.govt.nz