Pakistan-New Zealand relations gained fresh momentum as the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in agriculture, education, trade and investment during high-level talks in Wellington.

The Foreign Office said the third Pakistan-New Zealand Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting and the fifth round of Political Consultations took place in Wellington on Thursday.

Officials described the meetings as an important step towards stronger bilateral engagement.

A key outcome was the signing of an Education Cooperation Arrangement between Pakistan and New Zealand.

The agreement aims to expand collaboration in education and create new opportunities for institutional cooperation.

Agriculture and Trade Take Centre Stage

The two sides discussed ways to improve market access and increase bilateral trade.

Officials also explored cooperation in sustainable agriculture.

The talks included possible technical collaboration in wool production and plant protection.

Pakistan and New Zealand also discussed investment opportunities in technology, education and services.

Both sides examined institutional mechanisms that could support stronger economic ties.

Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul Khawaja represented Pakistan at the JTC meeting.

Pakistan Inflation Rises 9.29% as Food and Fuel Costs Push Prices Higher

Grahame Morton, deputy secretary of the Americas and Asia Group at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, led the New Zealand delegation.

Wider Bilateral Cooperation Discussed

The political consultations covered a broad range of bilateral issues.

Officials reviewed progress in relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments.

They also agreed to strengthen coordination through multilateral forums.

Additional Foreign Secretary for Asia Pacific Ambassador Dr Syed Ali Asad Gillani co-chaired the Pakistani delegation.

Morton led the New Zealand side.

The two countries explored further cooperation in economic development, science and technology, education and security.

They also discussed counterterrorism, transnational crime and people-to-people contacts.

Pakistan Briefs New Zealand on Middle East

Gillani also briefed New Zealand officials on Pakistan’s efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East.

Pakistan has remained engaged in diplomatic efforts to ease the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Morton acknowledged what the Foreign Office described as Pakistan’s constructive role in efforts linked to the Middle East peace process.

The talks also covered developments in South Asia.

Gillani raised the situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir and concerns over India’s continued actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty.

India announced in April 2025 that it would place the treaty in abeyance after tensions between the two countries escalated.

The water-sharing agreement has remained a major dispute between Pakistan and India.

Islamabad has repeatedly raised the issue at international forums.

Trade Remains Limited

Despite friendly relations, trade between Pakistan and New Zealand remains relatively small.

Foreign Office data puts bilateral trade at around $12 million.

Pakistan exports textile products, apparel, rice, leather goods and sports products to New Zealand.

Major imports from New Zealand include dairy products, wood pulp, paper, edible oil, wood, iron and steel, and electrical machinery.

Agriculture and education have featured in bilateral discussions for years.

The two countries also discussed cooperation in these sectors during former military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf’s visit to Auckland in June 2005.

New Opportunities for Both Countries

The latest meetings gave Pakistan and New Zealand an opportunity to review progress and identify new areas of cooperation.

The Foreign Office said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a forward-looking and mutually beneficial relationship.

Pakistan and New Zealand maintain cordial relations and share membership of the Commonwealth.

The latest push for stronger economic ties also comes as New Zealand expands its trade links in the region.

India and New Zealand signed a free trade agreement last month as both countries sought to increase exports amid wider global economic uncertainty.

For Pakistan and New Zealand, the new education arrangement and discussions on agriculture, technology and trade could provide a platform for broader cooperation in the years ahead.