As part of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) group of countries, Thailand is an important trading partner for New Zealand. The recently signed agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area opens doors for New Zealand businesses to Southeast Asia, including Thailand.
New Zealand exporters also benefit from the New Zealand Thailand Closer Economic Partnership (CEP), which entered into force in 2005. Since that time, total trade between New Zealand and Thailand has nearly doubled.
In this section, you will find a country brief with an economic overview and highlighted business opportunities, and market research in key areas of focus for New Zealand companies doing business in Thailand.
For a comprehensive guide to doing business in Thailand and comparisons with other key ASEAN trading partners, see New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s Doing business in Southeast Asia website.
Thailand country brief
Thailand is one of the largest countries in Southeast Asia. It’s rich in natural resources and its fertile soil is ideal for cultivation of a wide range of crops and fruits. About 50 percent of the workforce works in agriculture.
New Zealand exports to Thailand have been dominated by dairy products, recently accounting for more than half of total exports. In 2008 crude oil exports had a big impact on trade.
