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![[Government Crest]](../../../images/crestdog.gif)
New Zealand is not alone in the world. Membership of any community brings opportunities and responsibilities.
Technology and trade are increasingly binding nations into the international economy. A country's size, location and natural resources do not necessarily ensure success; more critical are our skills, knowledge and abilities, how we govern ourselves, our ability to respond quickly to events and trends in particular markets.
Fast-growing markets in developing countries are a huge opportunity for New Zealand exporters. But they are less familiar than traditional markets and are likely to be more demanding on quality and service. We must continually look for the best new ideas and technology, wherever they come from.
Trade is growing, both regionally and globally - hence New Zealand's role in bodies such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) organisation. Both are striving to lower trade barriers. New Zealand will host an APEC Trade Ministers meeting in July this year.
Our commitment to global and regional links was demonstrated in the hosting of two large international meetings in 1995 - the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and the Asian Development Bank conference.
We are working to maintain and develop our regional and international links. We will maintain a focus on Asia, but Latin America is emerging as a region with tremendous potential - we are currently exploring a free trade agreement with Chile.
New Zealanders' interests are not limited to trade. We also take an active part in global issues such as the environment, security and human rights. As a Commonwealth member and host of the Auckland CHOGM meeting, New Zealand confronted human rights abuses in Nigeria and other countries. A practical outcome was the establishment of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on good governance. As a member of this group and in the United Nations, New Zealand will be encouraging progress towards democracy and respect for human rights.
New Zealanders have been world leaders in opposing nuclear testing. We have expressed our total opposition to French and Chinese testing. We welcome the decision of France to stop testing and we urge China to do likewise. We want to see a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty signed as soon as possible.
The Government will continue to push for international disarmament and the eventual elimination of nuclear weapons. In regional security we remain committed to closer defence relations with Australia, to the Five Power Defence Arrangement and the ASEAN Regional Forum.
In other areas of security and defence, the Government will continue to build New Zealand's reputation as a firm supporter of collective security, the role of the United Nations and the rule of law.
New Zealanders have contributed to peace keeping efforts in many countries including Bosnia. In 1993/94 New Zealand served as a member on the United Nations Security Council.
The Government is conscious of the important role of our Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) programmes. We have increased our spending on New Zealand ODA programmes, particularly in our immediate neighbourhood.
These are all practical measures which underline the benefits that increasing international links bring New Zealand, and the need to meet our international responsibilities.