Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Canberra Business Chamber
Media Statement
Tuesday 21st November 2017
ACT And Wellington Draw Ever Closer
ACT and Wellington businesses will have increased access to business support and local knowledge when visiting their
sister city, following the signing today of an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Canberra Business
Chamber and Wellington Chamber of Commerce.
Canberra Business Chamber; along with Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, Commissioner for International Engagement, Brendan
Smyth and a number of local businesses; has travelled to New Zealand for Canberra in Wellington Week.
“The first MoU between the two Chambers was signed nearly 18 months ago and the outcomes to date have been very
positive,” Canberra Business Chamber CEO, Robyn Hendry explained. “It has helped expand trade, tourism and business
between the two regions.
“Canberra in Wellington Week presented the perfect opportunity to review the benefits of the MoU and continue to build
on our already excellent relationship.”
Through the new MoU, members of each Chamber will be provided office services to support their business activities when
travelling. Each Chamber will open their offices to visiting members to provide a space from which they can work and
help them connect with local businesses and government officials.
The updated MoU was launched during a roundtable and luncheon hosted by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Attendees
included a delegation of businesses from Canberra and Wellington plus government officials from both destinations.
Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, John Milford said, “We are delighted to welcome the Canberra delegation
to Wellington and assist in ensuring this trip is the first of many more that both builds on the relationship between
our organisations and increases opportunities for Canberra and Wellington based businesses.”
Ms Hendry added, “We look forward to growing the trade between Wellington and Canberra and welcoming Wellington Chamber
members to our office. Canberra Business Chamber will ensure they have the advantage of the local knowledge we can share
with them.”
“The MoU and new service offering is another pillar in achieving Canberra Business Chamber’s Destination 2030 aspiration
for a Canberra Region that is connected and international.”