Global Policy, Trade and Foreign Affairs

In September 2019, the University of Auckland’s Public Policy Institute hosted its inaugural Auckland Trade and Economic Policy School (ATEPS). The School launched with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and in partnership with the Ministry’s Deputy Secretary Trade and Economic, Vangelis Vitalis.

ATEPS is positioned to be an annual event on the New Zealand trade and economic calendar, attracting internationally recognised leaders and thinkers on trade and economic policy. It brings together trade experts, exporters, business leaders, diplomats, economists, academics, officials, and local and central government politicians – all with an interest in New Zealand’s trade and economic wellbeing.

It is significant that the School takes places in Auckland – the  country’s economic powerhouse, contributing 38% of the nation’s GDP and home to many of the service industries that support the country’s exporters and importers.

Aotearoa New Zealand is hosting APEC in 2021, and the PPI will again be hosting its annual Auckland Trade and Economic Policy School.

Save the date: 9-10 September 2021 

4-5 December 2020

Theme: Advancing Inclusivity and Sustainability through Trade in the 21st Century

Over the past thirty years, we have witnessed significant reduction in tariffs, an increase in APEC’s share of world trade, and a considerable growth in the number of trade agreements. New and increased market access coupled with enhanced enforceability of global trade rules has contributed to increased international openness and economic integration. Yet, despite these achievements, we are living in a world where 'uncertainty is the new normal'. Political and trade tensions remain, the reform of the WTO’s dispute settlement process is still unresolved and, as APEC’s economy has grown, so has its environmental footprint.2 Now 2020 has brought with it a new uncertainty. Coronavirus Covid-19 arguably represents the greatest challenge to the global and domestic economies since the financial crisis of 2008, bringing with it increased restrictions on the movement of people, goods and services, falls in business and consumer confidence, and slowing production.

Speakers:

• Hon David Parker
  
• Richard Baldwin
• Mari Pangestu
• Jianping Zhang
• Fukunari Kimura
• Sherry Stephenson
• Hosuk Lee Makiyama
• Vangelis Vitalis
• Lucian Cernat
• Stephanie Honey
• Jane Kelsey