New Zealand 40th anniversary.

• Author: Barrington, Brook

The importance of New Zealand's interests in ASEAN is indisputable. ASEAN is one of the world's most dynamic centres of economic growth, with a combined population of over 620 million and a combined GDP of US$2.4 trillion. ASEAN is an important gateway to the larger Asia-Pacific region, which will be a power house of growth in the global economy.

ASEAN also has important interests in New Zealand. We are an attractive trading partner, a vibrant cultural partner and a dependable security partner for the members of ASEAN.

Our trade and economic relationship is robust and mutually-beneficial. Taken collectively, ASEAN would be the seventh biggest economy in the world and New Zealand's third largest trading partner. Last year, two-way trade between ASEAN and New Zealand was worth $13 billion. In comparison, in 1975 it was $162 million. In fact, New Zealand now exports more goods to ASEAN in one and a half weeks than we did in an entire year in 1975. The ASEAN--Australia--New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) underpins the trade relationship, making it easier for New Zealand and ASEAN exporters to do business.

Just as regional trade is fundamental to our prosperity, a stable regional environment is fundamental to our security. ASEAN has a vital role to play in regional security, both through its dialogue partnerships and through its sponsorship of three key regional groupings: the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-plus; the ASEAN Regional Forum; and the East Asia Summit. New Zealand is an active member of all three groupings, and values highly the opportunities these forums provide for us to take practical steps towards improving regional security and building confidence.

Building strong international links is a vital ingredient for success in today's globalised world. Notwithstanding the gains of the past four decades, both New Zealand and ASEAN need to understand each other...