New Zealand PM Goes on First Post-COVID Overseas Trip to Promote Tourism

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (L) and her Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong attend a MOU signing ceremony at the Istana Presidential palace in Singapore on May 17, 2019. Roslan Rahman/AFP via Getty Images

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern departed on Monday for a six-day trade mission to Singapore and Japan, her first overseas trip since COVID-19 began.

Ardern is hoping to promote New Zealand tourism and education in the two Asian nations and support local businesses rebuild and grow connections in both markets.