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Important Links Forged Between Otago Chamber of Commerce and its Chinese Counterparts

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Shanghai (Tuesday, 16 April 2013) – Great opportunities are on the horizon for Dunedin’s technology sector following the signing of a significant agreement in Shanghai today.

The Otago Chamber of Commerce CEO John Christie has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guoyong Qiang Executive Vice President of the Zizhu Chamber of Commerce, which is responsible for dozens of businesses in the one of the largest privately owned technology parks in Shanghai which is also a national level high technology research zone. The businesses include Microsoft, Sandisk, Intel, General Electroc, Yamaha, Borgwarner and national centres for research in fields such as nanotechnology medicine and audio visual.

Otago Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Christie says "the agreement lays the foundation to foster links that will expand Dunedin’s technology sector into the China market through already established networks. The Zizhu Chamber is very keen to get collaboration happening at a practical level.”

Representatives from the Otago Chamber and the University of Otago met with Zizhu Chamber representatives last week to discuss how to build the relationship with a focus on information technology and bio technology companies. They also discussed opportunities for the University to work with companies at the technology park.

Mr Christie says it is possible a delegation with representatives from the Otago Chamber, the tertiary sector and technology companies may visit the Zizhu Technology Park later in the year and present a more formal proposal on opportunities which could deliver benefits to both Dunedin and Shanghai.

The MoU presents a significant opportunity for Dunedin to capitalise on its innovation in the technology area. It will also help the city deliver on key themes in the Dunedin Economic Development Strategy, such as ‘Alliances for innovation’.

Today, the Otago Chamber of Commerce also met with the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce.

The relationship between the two chambers was established at the same time the sister city relationship between the cities was signed, in 1994, and the Otago Chamber has been actively fostering the relationship with regular visits on behalf of Otago’s business community.

Mr Christie says, “There is lots of interest from our business community in opportunities for trade with Shanghai and China. We go to these meetings, not to conduct business, but to promote our businesses and to help them get established."

The meeting today built on the already well-established relationship. Relationships such as these are a sound foundation for the Dunedin Economic Development Strategy project, 'Project Shanghai'.

Mr Christie says the four key areas of focus in Project Shanghai (education, tourism, technology and food and beverage), provide a clear platform to drive the growth of Dunedin’s economy through this relationship.

“We have these meetings regularly, but this is an important one. We have met with several member companies already and we will be having follow-up meetings to introduce some of our products. This delegation has a strong focus on education and tourism, but there are opportunities for growth in many areas.”

The relationship allows for a useful flow of information as well, with the Shanghai Chamber providing information for companies that want to expand into China and sharing regulatory information.

“If we have companies struggling to understand Chinese rules and regulations, we can ask the Shanghai Chamber for assistance."

ENDS

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