Christopher Luxon says coalition talks will probably prevent him from attending this week's APEC leaders' meeting in San Fransisco.
The summit for Pacific Rim leaders is expected to focus on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
It will also include a crucial meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first on American soil in about seven years.
NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says Chris Luxon will miss the chance to do a political sweep and show several key leaders what his Government aims to accomplish.
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