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New Zealand PM Luxon Leverages Business Background, Free Trade Agreement to Attract Foreign Investment – World Today News

The hague, Netherlands – June 28, 2025 – new Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is actively leveraging his prior business experience and the recently enacted EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement to court foreign investment during a key diplomatic trip to Europe. Luxon,who met with NATO secretary-General Mark rutte this week,is demonstrating a “hustle” honed through years in the corporate world,mirroring a pattern established during successful trade missions to China earlier this year .

Luxon’s approach is especially noteworthy given the precedent set by leaders emerging from Unilever, a company known for its robust leadership growth programs. Rutte himself held a senior role at Unilever for nearly 14 years before entering politics, and the company’s emphasis on soft skills, motivation, and personality – alongside traditional IQ – appears to be a common thread among successful leaders .Unilever’s competitive internal environment, characterized by a surplus of management trainees and international assignments, fostered adaptability and resilience – qualities Luxon is now displaying on the world stage.

In the Netherlands, Luxon engaged with representatives from Kiwi firms operating in the country and potential Dutch investors, generating “keen interest” particularly from private equity groups . The government’s push to increase foreign investment in New Zealand and capitalize on the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement is central to this effort. this strategy will be further emphasized at the upcoming European Business Summit, anticipated to draw significant investor participation from across Europe .

Luxon’s success builds on positive momentum from earlier meetings with chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, where he promoted New Zealand’s key exports – dairy, beef, and tourism – and established a strong rapport . His ability to build relationships and effectively promote new Zealand’s economic interests positions the country for increased investment and growth.[CTA: Learn more about the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement and investment opportunities in New Zealand here.]