Governor Spencer Cox recently led a delegation of Utah business, government, and academic leaders on a trade mission to Auckland, New Zealand, and Sydney, Australia. Organized by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) in coordination with World Trade Center Utah, the visit strengthened Utah’s ties across four key sectors: aerospace and defense, critical minerals, innovation, and life sciences.
Driving Global Collaboration on Energy and Minerals
A defining outcome of the visit was the signing of letters of intent formalizing Utah’s partnerships in geothermal energy and critical minerals.
In New Zealand, Governor Cox and Minister of Energy Simon Watts signed an agreement to advance collaboration on geothermal energy production, leveraging Utah’s and New Zealand’s shared leadership in clean-energy technology.
Later in Australia, Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Joel Ferry and New South Wales Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos signed a letter of intent to partner on critical minerals exploration, extraction, and research. These agreements mark concrete steps toward a more sustainable and secure global supply chain, areas where Utah is already a recognized leader.
Showcasing Utah’s Innovation and Investment Climate
Throughout the trade mission, Utah leaders highlighted the state’s innovation ecosystem and strong economic fundamentals.
At the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney, one of the world’s premier mining events, Governor Cox delivered a keynote positioning Utah as a key U.S. partner in the global transition to sustainable resources. He emphasized that “opportunity knows no distance” and that Utah’s economic and national security goals are strengthened through partnerships with allies like Australia — particularly in critical minerals, clean energy, and technology innovation.
Following the address, the Utah delegation hosted a “Meet the Governor” investment event showcasing the state’s leadership in responsible resource development and innovation.
Meetings with the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia further advanced Utah’s message as a long-term investment partner: fiscally sound, globally connected, and open for innovation-driven growth.
Tourism, Culture, and Global Connectivity
Tourism and cultural diplomacy were central to the trade mission’s relationship-building efforts.
GOEO Executive Director Jeff Moss joined Utah Office of Tourism and Film Managing Director Natalie Randall and Governor Cox in meetings with the New Zealand Olympic Committee to exchange insights ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics. Discussions focused on infrastructure planning, visitor management, and opportunities to promote Utah as a premier winter destination.
Delegates also participated in a Pōwhiri, a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony in Auckland, symbolizing mutual respect and friendship, reflecting Utah’s and New Zealand’s deep appreciation for cultural heritage and community-centered values.
Advancing Shared Priorities in Technology and Youth Well-Being
In Sydney, Governor Cox and Moss met with Australian Minister for Communications Anika Wells to discuss strategies to protect youth from the harms of social media. The conversation reflected a growing international commitment to responsible digital governance and youth mental health, areas where Utah has emerged as a national leader.
The delegation also visited Outset Ventures, a deep-tech incubator that helped launch Rocket Lab, and the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonics and Quantum Technologies at the University of Auckland. These meetings connected Utah’s innovation community with global partners at the frontier of quantum science, aerospace, and commercialization.
Expanding Utah’s Global Network
Meetings with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell emphasized the growing importance of subnational diplomacy, partnerships between states and nations that complement federal relationships.
These engagements highlighted Utah’s collaborative approach to economic development: advancing innovation, investment, and opportunity through trusted relationships.
Utah’s Role on the Global Stage
The trade mission underscored Utah’s role as a global connector, linking innovation, industry, and investment through shared values and practical partnerships.
As Moss has said, Utah’s competitive strength comes from its “shared vision of innovation through collaboration.” The visit to New Zealand and Australia exemplified that spirit — turning relationships into results that drive long-term prosperity.
