Economy of New Zealand: Difference between revisions

The Pacific region with numerous islands is New Zealand's sixth or seventh largest trading market butand is growing every year. In 2011 exports to Pacific Islands were worth over $1.5 Billionbillion up 12% on the previous year. Fiji is the biggest individual market followed very closely by Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia and New Caledonia. Goods exported to the islands include refined oil, construction materials, medicines, sheep meat, milk, butter, fruit and vegetables.<ref>[https://www.nzte.govt.nz/en/export/export-markets/australia-pacific/pacific-islands/ Pacific Islands,] New Zealand Trade & Enterprise</ref> New Zealand also assists Pacific Islands with defence and regional security, environment and fisherieswith management, andof disasterthe reliefenvironment assistanceand fisheries.

Because of their small size, the Pacific Islands are some of the most vulnerable environments in the world and are on the receiving end of numerous cyclones every year. When disasters occur, they often have severe social and economic effects which last for years. Since 1992, New Zealand has co-operated with Australia and France to respond to disasters in the Pacific. AssistanceNew includesZealand providingprovides emergency supplies and transport, funding for roading and housing and the deployment of specialists to affected areas.<ref> [http://mfat.govt.nz/Foreign-Relations/Pacific/index.php Pacific,] Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade </ref>

Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand also provideprovides international aid and development funding to help stimulate sustainable economic development in underdeveloped economies. The New Zealand Aid Programme, allocated about $550m a year, is focused primarily on promoting development in the Pacific. The allocation of $550 million represents about 0.26% of New Zealand's [[Gross national income|gross national income]] (GNI).<ref> [http://www.aid.govt.nz/about-aid-programme About the aid programme,] Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade </ref>