International outlook for business explored as war clouds loom

An Economic Intelligence Briefing - "Business in the new world disorder" - has been scheduled for February 13th to offer business analysis of the international outlook in the event of war.

Rt Hon. Mike Moore, former Director- General of the World Trade Organisation is to be lead speaker.

Delegates will also hear directly from the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy in New Zealand, Phil Wall; Associate Professor of Political Studies at Auckland University, Stephen Hoadley; Trade New Zealand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Chief Economist of the ANZ Bank, David Drage. (The full programme is at www.emaevents.co.nz < http://www.emaevents.co.nz/> )

The Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) is organizing the event with support from the ANZ Bank to draw on the most authoritative local and international analysis on the:

* likelihood of war with Iraq and the potential geopolitical consequences

* mid term outlook for relations with North Korea

* implications for trade

* latest views on China, and Taiwan.

"Major military action in the Middle East will certainly affect New Zealand's trade and our trading partners," said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.

"Our line up of speakers will address the most likely ways in which the world's future will unfold over the next few months.

"It's important our businesses have access to the most informed and authoritative views so they can manage the risks inherent in today's world situation, as far as possible.

"Our business people need to be able to weigh up what they can do to manage their trade relationships with the world on a war footing."

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