The FTA offers major opportunities for businesses, investors and consumers on both sides. In the first year after its entry into force, bilateral trade increased by more than 1.7 billion dollars. New Zealand has confirmed its role as a strategic partner for the EU and a gateway to the rapidly developing Indo-Pacific region.

The Summit brought together almost 500 entrepreneurs, investors and institutional representatives from Europe and New Zealand. The programme included panel discussions and B2B meetings focused on trade, investment, innovation and the “clean transition” – sustainable economic transformation.

The event was officially opened by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and European Union Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič, who described the FTA as a new pillar of the EU–New Zealand partnership.

According to EU Ambassador to New Zealand Lawrence Meredith, the discussions demonstrated strong interest in cooperation in areas such as agriculture, clean technologies, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, aviation and defence.

From the Czech side, Ambassador Jana Tyrer participated in the summit, speaking at side events that promoted New Zealand’s cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries, while several Czech companies took the opportunity to establish new contacts and hold meetings with partners, notably following the recent visit of President Petr Pavel to New Zealand.

The FTA and New Zealand’s association with the Horizon Europe programme represent an exceptional opportunity for Czech businesses, investors and research institutions – particularly in the fields of innovation, sustainability and scientific cooperation.