Christopher Luxon to travel to China for Apec summit ahead of special vote count

Résumé détaillé

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to China with his trade minister to attend an international summit as New Zealand waits for the final election results. Luxon’s office…

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade Minister Todd McClay will travel to China next week for an Apec summit meeting. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to China with his trade minister to attend an international summit as New Zealand waits for the final election results.

Luxon’s office confirmed today that the caretaker Prime Minister and Trade Minister Todd McClay will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) summit in Shenzhen next week from November 18 to 19.

“The meeting provides an opportunity to advocate for practical steps that make trade easier and less costly,” Luxon said.

“Apec economies purchase 75% of New Zealand’s exports and this year’s host, China, is New Zealand’s largest trading partner.”

Foreign Minister Winston Peters would attend the East Asia Summit on November 16-17 in Manila, the Philippines, Luxon’s office said.

“These high-level meetings bring together leaders and ministers from across the Indo-Pacific, and issues important to New Zealand’s security and prosperity will be discussed.”

Luxon’s statement said New Zealand’s participation was in line with the customs around the caretaker government convention, which occurs between governments being formed after an election. The Opposition was being consulted, Luxon said.

On election night, Luxon, as leader of the National Party, looked likely to be re-elected Prime Minister in a coalition with Act and New Zealand First. However, special votes – those mainly cast either overseas or out of a voter’s electorate – are yet to be counted and could change the outcome of the election.

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