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Cabinet Members And Senior Executives Debate Economic Issues In New Zealand
At a time of low business and consumer confidence, and controversial government policy changes, a high-powered line-up
of Ministers and senior executives are coming together to debate the issues in Wellington next month.
The Economist Conferences will host its Second Roundtable with the Government of New Zealand, bringing leading
ministers, Members of Parliament and senior executives together for a two-day debate on new policy direction and the
implications for businesses and the economy.
Sir Frank Holmes, Chairman of Hugo Group Limited which is co- ordinating the event in New Zealand, said that the
Roundtable will give senior executives an opportunity to discuss with both Government and Opposition leaders whether the
new Government's more active intervention in the economy and its efforts to "close the gaps" in income and social
wellbeing will benefit or harm business and the economy.
"The Government says that it recognises the need for continued business development as a basis for social improvement,"
Sir Frank said. "It also claims that proposed changes in industrial relations policy are bringing New Zealand more into
line with International Labour Organisation conventions and European practice.
"However, many in business have been concerned at the effects of its policy changes on their costs and capacity to
compete," Sir Frank said.
Prime Minister Helen Clark will participate in the conference, and will be joined by Jim Anderton, Michael Cullen, Steve
Maharey, Pete Hodgson, Trevor Mallard, Jim Sutton, Margaret Wilson, Paul Swain and Mark Burton. Ms Clark and her
ministers expected to discuss their stance on international trade and foreign investment, their commitment to a higher
level of research and development spending, new ventures and exports and their aims for a high value-added, high wage
economy backed with greater social cohesion.
Also confirmed to contribute are leaders from the National Party, the Greens and ACT.
"The conference comes soon after the budget and at a time when ministers will have settled into their portfolios with
their priorities established. It is an ideal time to assess the early initiatives and future course of the new
government and the effects it will have on our businesses," Sir Frank said.
Panelists at the conference will address key questions regarding concerns to investors, including: * How will new policy
create opportunities for new economy businesses? * Will increased expenditure on research and development lead to
business gains? * How will the tax structure review affect you? * What will the amendments to competition law mean for
your company? * How can you be involved in the realigned focus to drive business growth? * What are the implications of
the government's commitment to `fair' free trade? * Are there opportunities in the government's determination to
accentuate environmental concerns?
Participants will be seeking to determine whether New Zealand will provide a business environment, regulatory regime and
political leadership that is capable of responding to changes in global markets and to answer the question, should we
invest in New Zealand? The first New Zealand Government Roundtable held by The Economist Conferences was in 1995.
The conference will be held on August 10th-11th at the Park Royal, Wellington. **********
MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE ECONOMIST CONFERENCES - SECOND ROUNDTABLE
WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND
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Note to editors: This event is open both days to the media. For further information contact Shan Davis on 852-2585-3824
or shandaviseconomist.com The Economist Conferences, a division of The Economist Enterprises, is the leading organiser
of face-to-face dialogues between government officials and senior executives in the world's developed and emerging
markets.
With Asian headquarters in Hong Kong, the company has offices and associates in over 20 countries throughout Asia, the
Americas and Europe. The Economist Conferences provides forums for senior government officials and key regional business
executives to discuss a country's economic, political and business operations environment and in an interactive format.
This year's Roundtable sponsors include: Deutsche Bank, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Air New Zealand and Equant.
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