ITALY
New Zealand and Italy business ties
Italy and New Zealand have strong trade links, with Italy our fourth biggest trading partner in the European Union.
New Zealand wool, hides and skins are major inputs for the 'Made in Italy' manufacturing supply chain, spanning fashion, design and interiors. Italy is also an important partner for New Zealand's fruit industry, with varieties of kiwifruit and apples grown in partnership locally to complement Southern Hemisphere supply.
New Zealanders enjoy speciality food and wine products from Italy, and in return, premium New Zealand seafood and meat is also finding its way onto Italian restaurant menus.
Meet our
Trade Commissioner
Ann Clifford
Milan
Ann Clifford is New Zealand's Trade Commissioner and Consul-General based in Milan, responsible for facilitating and promoting trade and providing local support and connections for New Zealand businesses in Italy.
Ann was previously NZTE’s Communications Director, with responsibility for global media relations, corporate and internal communications and crisis management in support of strategic change and New Zealand's reputation as a business partner.
Prior to joining NZTE, Ann worked as a journalist and had her own communications business for many years. She earlier worked in publishing, commissioning a non-fiction list and managing sales, marketing and customer service.
Ann studied at Victoria University of Wellington, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Italian Literature and Language.
Ann also serves as New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner to Turkey, and travels regularly to Istanbul from Milan.