ISSUE
Friday, September 12, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 76
New Zealand and Malaysia have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) to facilitate trade and simplify business transactions between the two countries,
The agreement was formalised on 10th September in Auckland by Christine Stevenson, Chief Executive and Comptroller of the New Zealand Customs Service, and Datuk Wira Anis Rizana binti Mohd Zainudin, Director-General of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
Malaysia, New Zealand’s tenth-largest trading partner, is a key market for dairy, sheep, and beef products. Under the new MRA, both countries will recognise each other’s authorised economic operator programmes.
This means exporters meeting globally accredited security standards will benefit from simplified customs procedures, faster processing, and reduced costs.
Ms Stevenson described the agreement as a significant step in strengthening New Zealand’s trade ties with a major Indo-Pacific partner. “Authorised traders will gain streamlined and speedier customs procedures, a reduction of red tape and costs, and the peace of mind that their goods will get to market quickly and safely,” she said.
Datuk Wira Anis highlighted the mutual trust between the two countries’ customs systems. “This milestone reflects our commitment to secure and efficient trade while enhancing the resilience of regional supply chains,” she said.
New Zealand already maintains a Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia, removing tariffs on 99.5% of Kiwi exports. In 2024, two-way trade in goods reached NZ$3.96 billion. During her visit (8–11 September 2025), Datuk Wira Anis and her delegation toured key customs facilities in Auckland, including the International Airport, the Integrated Targeting and Operations Centre, and the new Auckland Processing Centre for international mail.
New Zealand and Malaysia have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) to facilitate trade and simplify business transactions between the two countries,
The agreement was formalised on 10th September in Auckland by Christine Stevenson, Chief Executive and Comptroller of the New Zealand...
New Zealand and Malaysia have signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) to facilitate trade and simplify business transactions between the two countries,
The agreement was formalised on 10th September in Auckland by Christine Stevenson, Chief Executive and Comptroller of the New Zealand Customs Service, and Datuk Wira Anis Rizana binti Mohd Zainudin, Director-General of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
Malaysia, New Zealand’s tenth-largest trading partner, is a key market for dairy, sheep, and beef products. Under the new MRA, both countries will recognise each other’s authorised economic operator programmes.
This means exporters meeting globally accredited security standards will benefit from simplified customs procedures, faster processing, and reduced costs.
Ms Stevenson described the agreement as a significant step in strengthening New Zealand’s trade ties with a major Indo-Pacific partner. “Authorised traders will gain streamlined and speedier customs procedures, a reduction of red tape and costs, and the peace of mind that their goods will get to market quickly and safely,” she said.
Datuk Wira Anis highlighted the mutual trust between the two countries’ customs systems. “This milestone reflects our commitment to secure and efficient trade while enhancing the resilience of regional supply chains,” she said.
New Zealand already maintains a Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia, removing tariffs on 99.5% of Kiwi exports. In 2024, two-way trade in goods reached NZ$3.96 billion. During her visit (8–11 September 2025), Datuk Wira Anis and her delegation toured key customs facilities in Auckland, including the International Airport, the Integrated Targeting and Operations Centre, and the new Auckland Processing Centre for international mail.
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