NZTE announces new appointment

MEDIA RELEASE

May 23, 2007

NZTE announces new appointment to lead North Asia expansion

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) today announced plans for expansion of its North Asia footprint including the relocation of senior personnel to provide greater strategic direction.

As part of its strategy NZTE is relocating its Group General Manager North Asia, Rod MacKenzie, to Hong Kong to provide a greater senior management focus in the region.

Mr MacKenzie has been overseeing North Asia operations from Auckland and will be relocated to Hong Kong effective from mid-June.

“Rod MacKenzie has a good understanding of the opportunities and challenges that North Asia provides and with his business experience, institutional know-how and knowledge of New Zealand industries and businesses I am confident he will do a great job in advancing New Zealand’s interests in the region,” NZTE’s chief executive Gibson said.

In other changes the position of Regional Director North Asia will be replaced from 31 July with two new positions to oversee operations within the region. The position of Director - China will be located in the Shanghai office with management responsibility for China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. A Director - North East Asia will be located in the Tokyo office with management responsibility for Japan and South Korea.

In addition, a new position of Director - North Asia Projects will be located in the Hong Kong office. This role will have responsibility for the development of major initiatives including the Shanghai Expo 2010 and potential New Zealand Focus Centres in Shanghai and Tokyo.

“North Asia is our largest trading region with the value of exports increasing by 36 per cent since 1996. We believe the region offers more opportunities for New Zealand’s future growth than any other and based on this we are implementing a number of initiatives to help New Zealand companies starting during Export Year,” Mr Gibson said.

This increased focus and resource for North Asia, supported by announcements in Thursday’s budget, is good news for New Zealand exporters according to Alan Dobson, Managing Director of Nelson-based New Zealand Berryfruit Group Limited, and a participant in the Tokyo Beachhead.

"The North Asia market is so large and complex it takes considerable time, commitment and investment to meaningfully penetrate and cement yourself in for the long term.  For small to medium sized exporters this lead time makes it very difficult without considerable support. The new funding will certainly help provide that support to exporters."

ENDS

© Scoop Media