THAILAND

New Zealand and Thailand business ties

We have a long-standing and warm relationship with Thailand, and in 2016 Thailand and New Zealand commemorated 60 years of diplomatic relations. Both countries hosted a number of cultural and social events that celebrated the broad connections linking us together.

Thailand is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most important partners in the ASEAN region, and it’s a relationship that we’re dedicated to expanding. Two-way goods trade between our two countries has grown by almost 150 percent since we signed our bilateral Free Trade Agreement in 2005, making Thailand New Zealand’s eighth-largest trading partner.

Key sectors of engagement between Thailand and New Zealand include F&B, healthcare services and products, tech, and manufactured products including whiteware, plastics and machinery.

Meet our

Trade Commissioner

Ryan Freer

Bangkok

Ryan Freer is New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner for Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, based in Bangkok. He is responsible for facilitating and promoting trade and investment, and maintaining an extensive network of business relationships relevant to New Zealand businesses.

Ryan served as New Zealand Trade Commissioner in South Korea from 2012 to 2017, overseeing a significant rise in export values to Korea and supporting the signing and implementation of the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

Before joining NZTE in October 2012, Ryan worked for an international consulting firm, delivering energy market studies for major coal producers, logistic companies and traders.

Ryan’s experience covers a wide range of industries, including steel, coal, natural gas and automotive components across several regions including South Korea, India, South East Asia and Australia.