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Message from the executive director

In this newsletter we let you know how to escalate an urgent employment visa request, we cover the latest intel on our international trade agreements, and we remind you to fill in our annual ExportNZ survey so we can share your views with Government. If you are interested in opportunities in Mexico and Peru – read on as well.

Catherine Beard

027 463 3212 or cbeard@exportnz.org.nz

Trade update - August

The global situation continues to deteriorate.  The next tranche of Trump’s China tariffs kick in on 1 September.  China has retaliated by imposing its own tariffs and by essentially banning US agricultural imports.  Distortions in global markets that have resulted from this trade dispute are becoming increasingly apparent.  An essentially political dispute between Japan and Korea is escalating and increasingly flowing over into then trade arena.  The US has withdrawn GSP privileges for India.  Chances of a hard Brexit are increasing every day.  And then there is trade tension between the EU and US.  This will be a central feature of the G7 summit next week in France.  There are no positive signs from the US that it might reverse course on the appointment of new Appellate judges to the WTO dispute settlement body. 

New Zealand, with its network of bilateral and regional FTAs, is as well placed as any jurisdiction to weather this storm.  But the seas are very choppy and we will not be immune from all the negative effects of global tensions.  Brexit, in particular, risks direct negative impacts on some exporters should the exit occur on 31 October without a deal. There could be chaos at the UK and EU borders for some days.  It is essential that New Zealand exporters who might have product due to land in the EU or UK around late October/early November undertake contingency planning in case the worst-case scenario happens.  The MFAT and NZTE website are very helpful.

More ->>

New rail services agreement for Ruakura Inland Port

Port of Tauranga and the TGH-subsidiary Port Ruakura LP today announced a long-term partnership to support the development of the planned Ruakura Inland Port at Hamilton.

The agreement allows Port of Tauranga’s cargo trains running between MetroPort Auckland and Tauranga to service Ruakura Inland Port, giving Waikato-based importers and exporters direct access to fast international shipping services calling at Tauranga. Tauranga is the only port call for the biggest container ships visiting New Zealand. Port of Tauranga Chief Executive, Mark Cairns, says the planned Ruakura Inland Port offers significant cargo handling capacity and scope to meet future needs. The 480-hectare Ruakura estate has 192 hectares earmarked for logistics and industrial uses including the planned 30 hectare inland port.

More ->>

Voice your needs and gain support!

ExportNZ and DHL are teaming up on a short exporter survey.

Please fill it in so we can ensure government agencies and others can understand your challenges and opportunities, and we can ensure you are properly supported.

YOU WILL GO IN THE DRAW TO WIN AN IPAD AND A RUGBY WORLD CUP MERCHANDISE SET INCLUDING:
• Wheeled bag
• Handheld bag
• Cap
• Ball
• Vest

Complete the survey here ->>

Employment Visa Escalations

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has created a process to respond to escalation requests for urgent allocation for employment related visas (and associated family members) for both Temporary Work Visas and Skilled Resident Visas.

This includes all employment related products held at the Manukau, Christchurch, Porirua and currently with Henderson and Manila offices, excluding specific business products processed by the business team in Porirua.

A mailbox will be monitored and actioned by a team of dedicated Immigration Managers who will assess these requests for escalation. A request for escalation will be considered against the following criteria:

  • compelling personal circumstances,
  • humanitarian factors, and
  • matters of national interest.
  • INZ will respond to all requests within two working days to confirm if the application will be prioritised for urgent allocation or not. The EVE Immigration Manager’s determination of any request for escalation is final and they will not respond to further communication about the request and justification around the decision.

All requests for priority allocation of employment related visa applications should be forwarded to the EVE mailbox.

Mexico and Peru Seminar Series and Business Immersion Programme

Mexico and Peru are emerging markets, full of opportunities for New Zealand businesses. But just like any market, they’re not without their challenges. NZTE is running a series of seminars throughout New Zealand where market experts and seasoned exporters will share their tips, insights and knowledge to ensure you make the most of what these exciting markets can offer.

These seminars are open to all New Zealand businesses already exporting to Mexico and Peru or considering these markets. Companies who attend the seminar series may be eligible for NZTE's Business Immersion Programme.

More ->>

How does Mexico see New Zealand?

Mexico is an emerging market full of opportunities. But it’s not without its challenges. So, to help Kiwi businesses get ahead, NZ Story and Latin America CAPE commissioned in-market research which focuses on supporting a better understanding of the trade opportunities offered to New Zealand exporters to Mexico through the CPTPP. Findings include how Mexican consumers and businesses perceive New Zealand, key points for business engagement and sector-specific considerations for trade.

Please download these new findings here from the New Zealand Story toolkit.

Upcoming Business Forums in Chengdu & Xi'an (Opening Door to the West September 2019)

China Chamber of Commerce NZ in partnership with NZTE are currently registering companies to participate in a multi-sector trade mission to Chengdu and Xi’an China 9-11 Sep 2019. It’s part of a bilateral strategy to help New Zealand companies take full advantage of the unprecedented opportunity offered by China New Zealand Year of Tourism 2019 to increase awareness in China during this special year. 

More ->>

NZ Hirshberg Entrepreneurship Institute training

Save the date!

The 3rd NZ Hirshberg Entrepreneurship Institute training will be on the 19-20 November, 2019.

The last two programmes have enabled 140 New Zealand companies and individuals to gain insights and support for their entrepreneurial activities in NZ and how to enter into international markets - particularly the US. 

The full programme will be shared shortly, but the following presenters have been confirmed:

• Gary Hirshberg (HEI Leader and founder of Stonyfields)
• Bob Burke ( Recognised global expert in natural and organic products)
• Walter Robb (immediate past CEO Wholefoods)
• Corinne Shindelar (CEO Independent Natural Food Retailers Association)
• Meg Cadoux Hirshberg (Writer and Anticancer Lifestyle Founder)
• Betsy McGinn (E- market specialist)
• Elliot Begoun (VC - Entertwine Group)

Kiwi champions

• Peter Gordon (godfather of fusion cuisine)
• Lisa King (founder of Eat My Eat).

Look out for more info in the next newsletter.

ExportNZ
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