New Zealand's regional and bilateral trading relationships will continue to strengthen against the backdrop of the worsening US-China trade war, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says, as small countries such as hers adjust to a new reality and hold fast to priorities including fighting climate change.

NZ was keenly aware of rising geopolitical and economic risks, Willis said in an interview on Thursday, but her discussions at the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank showed the enduring strength of the international institutions and trade deals among other countries.

NZ has strong trading ties under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free trade deal between 11 member countries including Australia, Canada, Japan and Brita

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