Croatia and New Zealand seek stronger partnership and policy exchange

(Photo: Ministry of Finance)

A high-level Croatian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Marko Primorac completed a series of meetings in New Zealand’s Parliament in Wellington last week, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, exchanging policy experience and opening new opportunities for economic partnership.

During talks with Shane Jones, New Zealand’s Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Regional Development and Resources, as well as Associate Minister of Finance and Energy, the two sides discussed models of sustainable resource management, approaches to boosting regional development and ways to create a more attractive environment for investment.

They exchanged experiences in fisheries, major energy projects and regional infrastructure, with both countries identifying strong potential for collaboration in areas where they share notable expertise.

Minister Primorac underlined that Croatia and New Zealand “face similar challenges in managing natural resources and supporting the development of more remote regions”, noting that this creates room for policy exchange and joint initiatives.

He also highlighted the significant role of the Croatian community in New Zealand, whose long-standing presence and active engagement form an important social and cultural bridge between the two nations.

Regulatory reform and public-sector modernisation were the focus of a separate meeting with David Seymour, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regulation.

The talks covered examples of successful reforms in both countries, including the digitalisation of public services, the simplification of administrative procedures and efforts to increase transparency within state institutions.

Both sides also emphasised the value of sharing expertise and strengthening institutional ties, which could pave the way for further cooperation in fiscal policy, investment projects and market regulation.

(Photo: Ministry of Finance)

“New Zealand is implementing a range of innovative regulatory solutions, and exchanging experiences in this field can greatly support efforts to enhance the efficiency of public administration and improve the business environment in Croatia,” Minister Primorac said.

Earlier, a new agreement designed to eliminate double taxation and prevent tax evasion was signed in Wellington by Minister Primorac and New Zealand’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Social Investment, Nicola Willis.

The agreement creates a more predictable and business-friendly tax environment, easing cross-border operations and supporting stronger trade flows between the two nations.

The meetings confirmed strong political commitment on both sides to deepening bilateral relations and working jointly on initiatives of mutual interest.

Participants concluded that the Croatian community in New Zealand remains a vital social, cultural and economic link, forming one of the key foundations for developing long-term ties between the two countries.