AUSTRALIA
New Zealand and Australia business ties
Australia and New Zealand enjoy a longstanding and deep connection. We share many similarities, as well as some important differences in outlook, lifestyle and business practices.
As New Zealand’s largest economic partner, Australia presents the perfect landing pad for New Zealand companies starting their export programme. New Zealand and Australia’s economic relationship is underpinned by the Australia and New Zealand Closer Economic Relations (CER) – recognised as “the world’s most comprehensive, effective and mutually compatible free trade agreement”.
The trans-Tasman economic relationship is worth approximately NZ$24 billion per year and New Zealand and Australia have committed to a process called the Single Economic Market agenda, designed to create a seamless trans-Tasman business environment.
The Australian market is primed for New Zealand’s innovative products, services and solutions in retail, technology and specialised manufacturing.
Our food and beverage products enjoy a premium reputation with Australian consumers. New Zealand companies are also primed to partner into the Australian Defence investment programme and are considered local under provisions in Australian defence procurement.
Meet our
Trade Commissioners
Alan Munroe
Sydney
Alan Munro is NZTE's Trade Commissioner based in Sydney.
His most recent position was Director of Development and Fundraising at the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.
Alan's background is in sales and marketing leadership roles in the information and communication technology sector in New Zealand, Australia, Asia-Pacific and Europe.
He spent 18 years at IBM, including seven years at IBM Australia New Zealand, and has served as a Managing Director for both Lenovo Australia and New Zealand and Lenovo United Kingdom and Ireland.
Alan has also worked for NZTE as a Beachheads Advisor assisting New Zealand businesses in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Alan holds a Bachelor of Education degree and a Diploma in Teaching from the University of Otago.