Tripartite Economic Alliance
First trilateral economic agreement between global cities
In 2014, the Tripartite Economic Alliance between Auckland, Guangzhou (China) and the City of Los Angeles (US) was signed for a period of three years.
This alliance was a world first that set a new benchmark for city engagement and collaboration.
The alliance is based on existing strong
sister-city relationships. It focuses on increasing trade and investment between the three cities and their surrounding areas. It also aims to strengthen political and civic engagement.
The alliance has created opportunities for Auckland-based businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Progress since signing the tripartite agreement
The Tripartite Alliance has:
- strengthened Auckland's connections and visibility with two significant partners
- gained national and international recognition.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited estimates that opportunities from the Tripartite summits and events have generated many potential deals for local companies.
It can take time for business deals to conclude. In the meantime, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited will continue to track the commercial results.
Other initiatives created under the alliance include Memoranda of Understanding and strategic alliances between business and research institutions that cover:
- ports
- design
- innovation
- emergency preparedness.
Key events
November 2017
During the mayoral summit in Guangzhou, the three cities extended the alliance for a further three years.
The cities agreed to align Tripartite-related activities with a trade and innovation event in the host city. This event will focus on sectors of mutual interest.
May 2018
Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore led an Auckland business delegation to Los Angeles to take part in activities linked to
SelectLA.
May 2019
Auckland hosted the Tripartite with activities linked to
NZ Tech Week 2019.
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic meant Guangzhou was unable to host an in-person event. There was some virtual engagement about emergency preparedness cooperation.
In December 2020, the three cities agreed to extend the alliance for a further two years without the need for each city to host tripartite-related activities on a rotational basis.
This move acknowledged the value of international urban partnerships in supporting the COVID-19 recovery and addressing the climate emergency.
Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize
The
Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize is a biennial international award initiated by Singapore.
It honours outstanding achievements and contributions to the creation of vibrant, sustainable and livable cities.
Auckland was awarded a
Special Mention in the 2016 World City Prize, alongside Vienna, Sydney and Toronto.
Auckland's integrated and innovative governance model was recognised by the awards.
The Special Mention has raised Auckland's global profile and access to global influencers. This led to Auckland's induction into the
C40 Cities Climate Leaderships Group
Trade missions and business delegations
Trade missions and business delegations enhance Auckland's international connectivity. They strengthen business, political and cultural relationships in strategically important markets.
We work with several groups to deliver these international initiatives, including:
Past trade missions
In recent years, Auckland Council business delegations have visited:
- Australia
- China
- Korea
- the Pacific
- Taiwan
- United States (Los Angeles).
These missions have resulted in:
- city-led initiatives such as Tripartite Economic Alliance
- Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and joint venture signings
- new project collaborations
- investment opportunities
- valuable business and cultural connections
- new business development
- job creation
- partner cities ongoing collaboration.
