Ambassador of the EU, H.E. Bernard Savage – What’s the value of the EU to us?

ExportNZ and Chamber of Commerce Export Series

On 24 April, you are invited to a morning tea with the European Union Ambassador to New Zealand H.E Bernard Savage. Mr Savage will discuss the hot-topics in current affairs, presented from an EU perspective. Topics will include; the opportunities for Kiwi businesses in exporting to the EU, the upcoming EU-NZ FTA, and the future of the EU27. After his presentation, Mr Savage will hold a Q&A session where you will be able to influence the course of the discussion.

H.E. Bernard Savage comes to New Zealand from Brussels. He was Head of Division for four Arab Maghreb countries – Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia – during the Arab Spring.
From 2009-2013 he was the EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The EU was a lead actor in the peace process and nation-rebuilding after Sri Lanka’s 20-year civil war.
This followed a stint where he was heavily engaged in the Middle East. From 2004-2009 he was the EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Prior to that, in 2003, he was the European Commission’s Envoy to Iraq.
A third focus of his career has been in economic integration. He was responsible for negotiations with future members of the EU on free movement of goods (2001-2003) and for regional economic integration within Southern Africa (2000-2001).   He is proficient in English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Portuguese.

A proud Scot, he represented Scotland in rowing. He rekindled this love by joining the Petone Rowing Club (although does not regard the 7.30 Sunday morning starts with much affection!).

BOOK YOUR SEAT NOW!

Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay Business Hub