Major investments ahead for Capital

Major projects in Wellington City are set to attract significant investment from Chinese companies as a result of the Wellington business delegation to China led by Mayor Celia Wade-Brown.

An investment group with Wellington City Council Chief Executive Kevin Lavery and Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency chair Peter Biggs held a series of meetings in Beijing and Xiamen to attract investment in major projects earmarked for the Capital.

In particular, a partnership to explore funding for proposals for Wellington International Airport’s proposed expansion and hotel, the convention centre and hotel and housing developments in Shelly Bay was formalised with the signing of an MOU with Fu Wah Group and BCEG on Thursday 10 September.

“The warm reception for these potential projects signifies growing confidence in the Capital from overseas partners,” says Mayor Wade-Brown.

“Wellington’s business leaders, iwi partners, Council and our economic development agencies make an impressive collaboration for future prosperity.”

The City Council’s Economic Growth Committee Chair, Councillor Jo Coughlan, who signed the MOU, says the meetings have been extremely positive. “We’re looking forward to October when we host Fu Wah and BECG for further discussions.”

WREDA Chief Executive Chris Whelan said all participants in the meetings were open to the opportunities of investing in Wellington.

“Whether it’s government to government or corporation to corporation, it comes down to people to people,” he says. “We’ve got a very good base for Wellington business investment, based on a solid foundation of collegiality. Being in China has strengthened our relationships through face to face contact.”

The Wellington investment delegation included prominent Wellington business leaders Jason Fox from Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust, Rob Morrison from Infratil, Ian Cassels and Caitlin Taylor from The Wellington Company, and David McGuiness from Willis Bond.

ENDS

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