21 April 2005
Hon Jim Anderton MP, Progressive Leader
Strengthening NZ-US relationship is of mutual benefit
Jim Anderton, Minister of Economic Development and Progressive Party Leader met with the New Zealand-United States
Council this afternoon to discuss the mutual benefit of business and trading relationships between the two countries.
"As ANZAC day approaches it is worth reflecting on New Zealand's long history of pulling our weight in battle, working
together with American soldiers to protect our shared values of democracy and freedom. Even today New Zealanders are at
work beside Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan carrying out rebuilding work in the face of considerable danger.
"I am traveling to the United States in a few weeks time to attend the UN Forum on Forests in New York and will take the
opportunity to build on our relationships while I am there. Clearly New Zealand is interested in furthering discussions
on closer economic relations and free trade.
"The US market offers many opportunities for world-class NZ enterprises. Already we have made progress in developing
these through the work of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Investment New Zealand.
"Examples of the mutual benefit in NZ and US business working together include: leading marine electronics company
Navman and US counterpart Brunswick; information technology company HITLab NZ and HITLab in the US; and furniture
company Formway Design and US partner company, Knoll.
"Another example of this is the film industry where international screen production companies work with New Zealand
expertise, like that of NZ-US council member Peter Jackson, to make highly successful movies. I announced funding today
for Film NZ to continue it's work linking local crew and resources up with international production companies. $578,000
a year has been provided in the budget for 2 years and ongoing funding will be reviewed after that.
"While the American companies share in our expertise and innovation, the New Zealand counterparts can tap in to the
distribution networks, research and development of the bigger partner. It's a win-win situation which exemplifies New
Zealand's overall relationship with the United States," Jim Anderton said.
ENDS