APEC 2025 in Gyeongju: S.Korea–New Zealand Cooperation on Trade, Security, and Culture

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

The South Korea–New Zealand relationship is entering a pivotal chapter. As the two countries mark the 10th anniversary of their Free Trade Agreement, they've also agreed to elevate ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership—laying the groundwork for expanded cooperation across trade, diplomacy, and regional security.

All eyes are now on Gyeongju, where Korea is set to host the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

For both nations, it’s a timely platform to advance shared goals—from clean energy and inclusive growth to gender equality and digital innovation.

And with growing global uncertainty, trusted middle powers like South Korea and New Zealand are being called to step up.

In this exclusive conversation, we’re joined by Dawn Bennet, New Zealand’s Ambassador to South Korea, to talk about the summit, the evolving partnership, and what’s next on the horizon.

Welcome.

Let’s start with APEC. Korea’s been hosting key meetings ahead of the main event in Gyeongju, with New Zealand actively involved. How are preparations going so far?

And speaking of Gyeongju, this year’s Leaders’ Meeting will be held there—a city with over a thousand years of history. What does this host city mean to you as a participant?

Looking at the bigger picture, with protectionism on the rise, APEC’s mission of regional integration feels more urgent. What role should the Gyeongju summit play, and why is Korea’s hosting significant?

Staying with summit themes, at the Women and the Economy Forum you spoke on gender equality amid demographic shifts. Why is this issue so important for APEC right now?

And New Zealand has hosted APEC twice before. From that experience, what advice would you give Korea for a successful Gyeongju summit?

Shifting to bilateral ties—this year marks the 10th anniversary of the South Korea–New Zealand FTA. How has it reshaped trade between our countries?

And more recently, in August, our two countries reaffirmed plans to upgrade ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. What practical steps can we take to expand cooperation under that framework?

Building on that, you’ve highlighted clean tech and renewables as promising areas. What projects or discussions are currently underway in these sectors?

Beyond economics, both Korea and New Zealand are trusted middle powers in the Indo-Pacific. With security challenges rising, how can we deepen cooperation—not just in trade, but also in diplomacy and security?

And finally, before we let you go—on culture. You’ve shown real enthusiasm for Korean culture. How do you see K-culture serving as a bridge between our nations, and are there Embassy initiatives to promote exchange?

And that will be all from us on Within the Frame.

Be sure to tune in next time as we continue to explore the stories that matter. Until then, stay informed and engaged!