Commit Long Term, Understand Engage Sustainability

Commit Long Term, Understand And Engage, Ensure Sustainability

Key Goals of Seriously Asia Forum

11 December, 2003: Asia 2000¹s Seriously Asia Forum, held at Parliament on 26 November, discussed proposals for practical action from issue groups, international speakers and from delegates drawn from business, academic, education, ethnic, political and government sectors. A summary report released today by Asia 2000 highlights key goals, actions and outcomes which emerged from the Seriously Asia initiative.

Key points which the Forum identified as a basis for action across all sectors included: -* Strong personal and institutional relationships should be at the core of any long*term strategy.

-* Asia cannot be seen as single entity. The region¹s diversity of countries, markets, cultures, languages and history must be individually understood and respected.

-* Knowledge of Asian languages and cultures bring substantial benefits. -* New Zealand has strengths to play to. An intangible asset is a reservoir of good

will and trust among Asian countries, which view New Zealand as resourceful,*independent, high achieving and reliable.

Three key goals emerged from the issue group proposals tabled at the forum. Actions to achieve those goals were also presented and endorsed by the Forum.

Goal One: Commit Long Term

Actions to support this goal include; -* Map New Zealand¹s future with Asian countries though analysis of the* opportunities and challenges.

-* Foster business growth through greater coordination and transparency of the

regulatory and trade policy environment. Outcomes to be achieved include;

-* Closer relationships with the business, social and policy leadership of Asian

countries.

-* Greater public awareness and support for Asia¹s place in New Zealand¹s future*and of New Zealand¹s place in the future of Asia.

Goal Two: Understand and Engage Actions to support this goal include;

-* Help new residents from Asia engage in the wider New Zealand community,

particular through local government initiatives.

-* Realise the potential contribution to relationships of the export education sector.

-* Facilitate employment opportunities for migrants.

-* Facilitate interaction between mainstream media and ethnic news agencies.

Outcomes to be achieved include;

-* New residents engage successfully in New Zealand life.

-* International students are supported by enhanced service delivery and pastoral care.

-* Media coverage of Asia and New Zealand¹s Asian communities is informed and extensive.

Goal Three: Ensure Sustainability Actions to support this goal include; -* Ensure New Zealand institutions operate effectively as ³NZ Inc² by reviewing the mandates of relevant organisations and reconfiguring where required. -* Improve awareness of the benefits of joint ventures, networks and strategic* business alliances between partners in Asia and New Zealand, and inform* enterprises of the scope and means of realising them.

-* Position New Zealand as a premium tourist destination for Asian visitors.

Outcomes to be achieved include;

-* Clearly targeted opportunities for New Zealand business which are supported by*wider engagement wit Asian networks.

-* Differentiation of the New Zealand image and product from other countries active in Asian markets.

³We are very encouraged by the response we have already received to the Seriously Asia project from a wide cross section of organisations and individuals,² said Sir Dryden Spring, Chairman of Asia 2000. ³Asia 2000 began the review of action it can take itself at its Board meeting on 1 December and Executive Director Christopher Butler has been in China over the past week discussing a regional initiative on educational cooperation and a possible youth leadership dialogue. In the coming weeks we will be liaising with other organisations and individuals who also have ownership of actions. A full report of Seriously Asia will be produced in the first quarter of 2004 which will provide a basis for a more comprehensive forward agenda,² Sir Dryden added.

Commenting on Seriously Asia , Eugene Bowen, Chief Executive, Local Government New Zealand said: ³We welcome recognition within the Seriously Asia project of the important role played by local government, at an individual, business and community level. Local councils continue to have an active role in linking cultures and communities, recognising diversity and taking active steps to promote position interaction. Many of New Zealand¹s communities are also actively engaged in sister-city and business relationships with Asia and we welcome the opportunity to do more work in this area.²

Bob Walters, CEO, Export New Zealand said: ³Export New Zealand supports the Asia 2000 Foundation in its focus on Asia. As exporters we will be seeing how we can contribute best to implementing a number of the initiatives that were endorsed by the Seriously Asia Forum.²

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