NZ businesses needs better understanding of Asia

Media Release
16 November 2009

New Zealand businesses needs better understanding of Asia

The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce has applauded the latest initiative from the Asia New Zealand Foundation to better prepare New Zealanders for a future with the Asian region.

The Chamber is a partner in the Business Education Partnership - a joint initiative between Asia New Zealand and the business community - to teach young New Zealanders more about Asia.

“Asia will have a huge impact on world affairs this century and it is imperative we better integrate ourselves into the region,” said Chamber CEO Charles Finny.

“New Zealand is fortunate to be geographically located in this part of the world but we need to do more to understand Asia’s cultures, languages and peoples.

“This is important for business as well as New Zealand society generally.

“Building knowledge of Asia, is a priority task for our education system, so that New Zealand has a workforce that is better informed about the region and better equipped to deal with it.

“Increasing the amount of Asia-related material included in the curricula of New Zealand schools is an important component of this.

“New Zealand businesses have become increasingly Asia-focussed in recent decades but we need to do more if we are to fully take advantage of the opportunities at our doorstep,” Mr Finny concluded.

Click here for more information on the Business Education Partnership

ENDS

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