Media Advisory: Gov. Cox leads business delegation on trade mission to New Zealand and Australia
MEDIA ADVISORY
Contacts:
Lindsey LeBaron
Communications Manager
Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity
llebaron@utah.gov | +1-801-420-5815
Natalie Pyne
Senior Manager, Communications
World Trade Center Utah
npyne@wtcutah.com | +1-267-893-9543
Gov. Cox leads Utah delegation to New Zealand and Australia to advance global trade, investment
SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 12, 2025) — Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox is leading a delegation of more than 60 business, industry, and government leaders to New Zealand and Australia this week to strengthen international ties and explore new opportunities for trade and investment.
Organized by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and World Trade Center Utah, the delegation includes senior executives and stakeholders from the aerospace and defense, life sciences, critical minerals and innovation sectors. From Oct. 16–25, the delegation will travel to Auckland and Sydney for meetings with public- and private-sector leaders, investors and research institutions.
Each sector track will engage in industry-specific programming in both countries. The aerospace and defense track will focus on expanding market access, connecting Utah companies with advanced technologies and exploring joint venture opportunities in the region. The critical minerals track will center around industry-focused site visits, roundtables and investor meetings. Participants will also attend the International Mining and Resources Conference + Expo (IMARC) in Sydney, one of the world’s top mining conferences, where Utah businesses will spotlight their leadership in responsible sourcing, advanced manufacturing and global supply chains.
The development and innovation track will connect with venture partners, deep tech accelerators and public-sector commercialization leaders. The life sciences track will explore partnerships with leading biotech firms and research institutions in Sydney and Melbourne, with a focus on advancing innovation and accelerating pathways from lab to market.
This visit builds on years of bilateral engagement in Utah, including meetings with ambassadors, consuls general and former prime ministers from both New Zealand and Australia.
About the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Under Gov. Spencer J. Cox's direction, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity provides resources and support for business creation, growth, and recruitment, while also promoting tourism and film production in Utah. Our office cultivates economic prosperity for all Utahns, leveraging federal, state, and private sector resources to implement programs in areas with the highest potential for economic development and opportunities for Utah residents.
About World Trade Center Utah
World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) helps Utah businesses reach new markets, build international partnerships and attract investment. Based in Salt Lake City, with a team in South Korea through a state-backed partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, WTC Utah is a trusted resource for companies expanding internationally. Since 2007, we’ve supported thousands of businesses through tailored support, strong networks and practical tools for international growth. Learn more at wtcutah.com or follow @WTCUtah on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook.
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