Latest news with #Malaysia-NewZealand
Malaysian Reserve
6 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Ahmad Zahid expresses regrets over cynicism on visit To NZ
DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed regret over the actions of certain quarters who belittled his working visit to New Zealand. He said such criticisms were inappropriate and served only to undermine his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new opportunities for Malaysia. 'In every working visit, my primary objective is to acquire knowledge, exchange experiences, and identify strategic areas that can benefit the country and the people,' he said. 'Politics will always be a subject of discussion among politicians, be it ministers, deputy prime ministers, or even prime ministers who are abroad, but such cynicism should not be entertained. 'What is important in working visits, or official visits, are valuable opportunities to gain insights and discover areas not yet developed in Malaysia, which can then be explored,' he told Malaysian journalists at the end of a five-day working visit to New Zealand here Saturday (Friday in Malaysia). Also present were Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki and John K Samuel, the Undersecretary of the Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Oceania Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said that sincerity and openness to feedback, and a willingness to learn from other countries should be prioritised — rather than being caught in a cycle of unconstructive criticism. 'If it's good, ask your friends. If it's not good, ask your enemies. Enemies are those who dislike us…whatever we do will never be good enough for them. But don't be arrogant. Don't be arrogant. Don't be arrogant,' he emphasised. He also expressed disappointment that some of the cynicism came from individuals with religious backgrounds who, he said, voiced their opinions without prudence, ultimately undermining the spirit of cooperation and national development. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said his five-day working visit to New Zealand had opened a new chapter in strengthening strategic cooperation between Malaysia and the Oceanian nation. The visit covered various sectors, including education, the halal industry, disaster management, trade, agriculture, and the empowerment of the Orang Asli community through engagements with the Māori community. During the five-day working visit, Ahmad Zahid held bilateral meetings with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, Minister for Maori Development Tama Potaka, Minister for Agriculture and Trade Todd McClay and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Dr Shane Reti. The working visit is part of Malaysia's efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations with strategic partners in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2024, the value of Malaysia-New Zealand trade amounted to RM10.72 billion, making Malaysia the second-largest trading partner among ASEAN countries for New Zealand. — BERNAMA
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
New Zealand seeks halal industry and trade partnership with Malaysia
WELLINGTON: New Zealand has shown strong interest in deepening collaboration with Malaysia, particularly in the halal industry and regional trade. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi shared that New Zealand's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Trade, and Investment, Todd McClay, affirmed this commitment during their bilateral meeting. 'The New Zealand government aims to be a strategic partner to Malaysia, not only in halal certification but also by leveraging Malaysia as a gateway to the ASEAN market, which has a population exceeding 600 million,' Ahmad Zahid told reporters. The discussions followed Ahmad Zahid's visit to New Zealand's National Crisis Management Centre (Beehive Bunker), a key facility for disaster and emergency response. McClay also expressed openness to importing Malaysian agricultural products, including tropical fruits like pineapples. Malaysian firms were further encouraged to explore investment opportunities in New Zealand's construction sector. Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the meeting resulted in a strategic agreement to expand bilateral trade, with New Zealand actively participating in regional platforms such as the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). He expressed optimism that Malaysia-New Zealand relations would serve as a model for Indo-Pacific cooperation, benefiting both nations. Separately, during a gathering with the Malaysian diaspora in Wellington, Ahmad Zahid announced a NZ$100,000 (RM251,000) allocation to Rumah Malaysia to support National Day celebrations. The funding aims to ease event preparations while acknowledging the patriotism of Malaysians abroad. - Bernama
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Zahid to visit New Zealand's National Crisis Management Centre
WELLINGTON, 16 Julai -- Timbalan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi pada sidang media di majlis Halal Forum di Perpustakaan Negara Wellington di sini hari ini. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA WELLINGTON, July 16 -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi speaks at a press conference during the Halal Forum at the National Library of Wellington here today. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED WELLINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is scheduled to visit New Zealand's National Crisis Management Centre on Thursday (July 17) to observe the country's disaster and crisis response framework. Located in the Beehive Bunker beneath New Zealand's Parliament, the visit forms part of the fourth day of his official working trip to the country, in line with his responsibilities as Chairman of Malaysia's Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP). The visit aims to gain insights into New Zealand's emergency response systems, inter-agency coordination, and post-disaster recovery strategies - areas for which the country is widely recognised for its preparedness and transparency. Ahmad Zahid is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with New Zealand's Minister for Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, to explore potential cooperation in food security and strategic supply chains. Later in the day, he will attend a community engagement session with Malaysians in Wellington, where over 250 citizens residing in the country are expected to participate. The Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to conclude his working visit and return to Kuala Lumpur on Friday (July 18). Since arriving in Auckland on Monday (July 14), he has met with local industry leaders and business groups, including the ASEAN-New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC). On the second day, he travelled to Rotorua for the Māori Business Roundtable, aimed at strengthening collaboration in indigenous and social development initiatives. On the third day, he was in the capital for meetings with senior New Zealand government officials at the Beehive, as part of ongoing efforts to further enhance Malaysia-New Zealand bilateral relations. - Bernama
The Star
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Zahid continues official visit, high-level meetings set in New Zealand
WELLINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi continues the third day of his official working visit to New Zealand with a series of meetings with several senior leaders, aimed at strengthening Malaysia-New Zealand bilateral relations. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, began his packed itinerary at 8am local time (4 am Malaysian time) with a meeting with the Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, held at the Minister's Meeting Room in the New Zealand Parliament. The meeting is expected to provide both parties with an opportunity to share views on indigenous community development policies and explore potential cooperation between Malaysia and New Zealand in empowering the Orang Asli community in Malaysia. He is then scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, David Seymour. The meeting will be followed by the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI), symbolising a shared commitment to broaden future cooperation, at the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister's Office at the Beehive building. According to the released itinerary, as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the local Muslim community, Ahmad Zahid is also scheduled to visit Kilbirnie Mosque and engage in a dialogue session with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ). The Deputy Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend an official luncheon hosted by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters at the Beehive building before delivering a keynote address at the Halal Forum and joining a high tea reception with Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard. The forum, which will be held at the National Library of New Zealand, is co-organised by the Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH) and New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). It aims to strengthen cooperation in the halal sector, particularly in food exports and certification. In a related development, Ahmad Zahid is also scheduled to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Malaysian Government and the New Zealand Government on higher education, aimed at expanding opportunities for Malaysian government-sponsored students to pursue studies in New Zealand. On Thursday (July 17) Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Investment Todd McClay. As Chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP), he is also scheduled to visit the country's National Crisis Management Centre. In the afternoon, the Deputy Prime Minister will attend a gathering with the Malaysian community in Wellington, expected to draw over 250 Malaysians residing in the country. Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to conclude his working visit and depart for Kuala Lumpur on Friday (July 18). Earlier, he began his visit in Auckland by meeting New Zealand industry and business leaders, including the ASEAN New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC), and continued the second day of his visit in Rotorua by attending a Maori Business Roundtable session, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties in social and indigenous community development.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia-NZ trade set to soar
AUCKLAND: Trade between Malaysia and New Zealand is expected to increase by 50% in the next five years, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said forging closer bilateral and trade ties with New Zealand was more crucial now in light of the changing global landscape. 'Our shared target to increase Malaysia-New Zealand trade by 50% by 2030 is not only achievable but necessary in a world where regional resilience matters more than ever,' he said during the Asean-New Zealand Business Council Engagement session held here yesterday. He said trade agreements such as the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (MNZFTA) and Asean, Australia, New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) serve as a catalyst for boosting bilateral trade. In 2024, he said the trade volume reached RM10.72bil (US$2.34bil), making Malaysia New Zealand's second-largest trading partner within Asean. 'These numbers aren't just statistics; they reflect confidence, connectivity and commitment between our economies,' added Ahmad Zahid, who is in New Zealand for a five-day working visit. He said the MNZFTA also enabled 99.8% of New Zealand's exports to enter Malaysia duty-free, with the AANZFTA also increasing exports to Asean by nearly 60% since 2010. 'The AANZFTA is working well and should continue to be strengthened. Malaysia has also doubled its usage of AANZFTA benefits, from RM5.8bil in 2016 to RM12.9bil in 2023,' he added. With the recent upgrade to AANZFTA and the momentum created through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Ahmad Zahid said that both nations were better positioned to build a fair, modern and sustainable trade architecture. AANZFTA, a trade agreement between Asean member states, Australia and New Zealand, came into force in 2010 and is a key pillar in both nations' ties with South-East Asia. The upgrade of AANZFTA came into force on April 21 this year to further reduce export barriers while boosting trade in the region. Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia was looking at three key areas – sustainability, digital transformation and food security – to deepen trade collaboration between the two countries. 'New Zealand, with 87% of its electricity sourced from renewables, is a leader in green transition. This aligns closely with Malaysia's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. 'There is vast space for cooperation in clean energy, carbon markets and low-carbon technology,' he added. On Malaysia's part, Ahmad Zahid said the MyDigital agenda complements New Zealand's strengths in ICT (information, communication and technology), offering opportunities for joint ventures in AI, smart cities, cybersecurity and digital trade governance. 'The agri-food sector also offers enormous potential. As Asean's middle class grows and consumption patterns shift, New Zealand's reputation for quality, traceability and innovation fits well with Malaysia's strengths in halal certification and regional logistics.' Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said it was crucial that the bilateral economic partnership continues to be grounded in human connection. 'Thousands of Malaysian students have studied in New Zealand and tourism between our nations continues to thrive. 'These exchanges are not just heartwarming, they are the glue that holds economic ties together, builds trust and creates long-term understanding,' he added. On economic growth between New Zealand and Asean, Ahmad Zahid said it must be inclusive of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) so that the latter was not left behind. To achieve this, he said it must entail improving access to trade finance, digital tools, and capacity building between Asean member states and New Zealand.
