Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Trade
28 May 2008
Media statement
Standing room only at Auckland China FTA Roadshow event
The Auckland leg of a nationwide roadshow informing businesses about how to make the most of the China Free Trade
Agreement was filled to capacity this morning, Trade Minister Phil Goff said.
Government agencies Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise organised the series of
events as part of a range of Government initiatives aimed at supporting Kiwi businesses keen to move into or expand in
China.
“The first day of the two-day Auckland event, which started today, was oversubscribed. About 300 people from local
businesses registered for day one and are taking part, which meant an additional 50 had to be encouraged to attend one
of the other legs in Hamilton, Christchurch and Dunedin. One hundred and eighty three people have so far registered for
day two, tomorrow,” Mr Goff said.
“I am delighted at the great interest shown by New Zealand companies in taking up the unique opportunities the FTA with
China presents us with. It is important for New Zealand exporters to fully exploit the competitive advantages from being
the first developed country to have such an agreement with China.
“The roadshow follows the launch of the all-of-government ChinaFTA.govt.nz Website, which has received around 184,000
hits in seven weeks, also indicating the strength of interest in the opportunities opened up by the agreement.
The Wellington event, which ended yesterday, attracted 250 people over two days,” Mr Goff said.
The two-day events include interactive workshops which provide valuable information for businesses to take the next step
in developing capability in the vast and growing China market.
Presentations include an outline of the content and impact of the agreement and offer practical advice on doing business
in China, including case studies from New Zealand companies knowledgeable of the market.
The all-of-government website www.ChinaFTA.govt.nz provides detailed information on the agreement including useful
information about tariff level reductions.
Notes for editors
The Roadshow programme covers two days. Day one is the New Zealand China Free Trade Agreement implementation seminar and
workshops. Day two is Navigating China for New Zealand businesses.
Each Roadshow will be opened with a Ministerial breakfast and a presentation from FTA Lead Negotiator David Walker.
Auckland – 28-29 May, Langham Hotel
Ministerial breakfast: Hon Phil Goff, 7.35am – 8.45am, 28 May
Christchurch – 3-4 June, Christchurch Convention Centre
Ministerial breakfast: Hon Lianne Dalziel, 7.35am – 8.45am, 3 June
Hamilton – 5-6 June, Waikato Stadium
Ministerial breakfast: Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, 7.35am – 8.45am, 5 June
Dunedin – 9-10 June, The Dunedin Centre
Ministerial breakfast: Hon Pete Hodgson, 7.35am – 8.45am, 10 June
Media who wish to attend the Ministerial breakfasts and the sessions on day one of the programme are welcome to do so.
Any media questions will need to be done separate to the presentation and question time. These sessions are designed for
a business/public audience and Ministers can be accessed for interviews at the conclusion of the breakfasts.
Cameras/filming are permitted during the Ministerial breakfasts but not during the workshops.
Day Two is closed to media (with the exception of the Ministerial breakfast in Dunedin).