19 March 2001
Exports – “This Doesn’t Have To Be As Good As It Gets”
If NZ intends building a less vulnerable economy by having a stronger export community, then there are some basic steps
we need to take, according to the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Firstly we need to acknowledge that fewer than 2% of NZ businesses are regular exporters. We need to develop a plan that
increases this significantly and ensure that those who are presently exporting can maximise their performance.
Secondly we should not rely on a low dollar as the basis for export success but should focus on improved productivity
and efficiency gains as a future point of difference from our competitors.
“The strong pay-out that dairy farmers are presently receiving coupled with our low dollar is a short term benefit but
it needs to be coupled with a more sustainable strategy,” Chamber Chief Executive Michael Barnett said.
For more information, contact: Michael Barnett (09) 309 6100 or 021 631 150