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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I was fortunate to represent BusinessNZ at the annual conference on global competitiveness, this time hosted by Productivity Canada.  On the way to Canada I called in to see some key people in Washington, including Vicky Whitlock – NZTE Trade Commissioner in Washington.

One of the strengths of the Washington Office is supporting NZ firms selling to the US Government, e.g. law enforcement, intelligence community, border security, etc.

The new WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) NZ is signing will allow access to the GSA schedule.  It essentially pre-qualifies companies for selling to the US Government.

The US economy is definitely on the upswing. There will be some great opportunities, especially for health care companies, utilities suppliers and those in the marine industry. For hot tips direct from Washington, as well as a downlaod from the Global Federation of Competitiveness Council’s Meeting in Alberta, click here.

Catherine Beard
027 463 3212 or cbeard@exportnz.org.nz

Trade Update

In this first Trade Update for 2015, I check in with the TPP - could a conclusion be in sight? Also, what's happening with the FTA with the Gulf Cooperation Council, and possible new FTAs in the pipeline. More...

Faster entry into the UK for frequent flyers

Frequent flyers from New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Canada and the United States can now utilise a Registered Travellers scheme, which gives users faster entry into the UK.

The scheme is open to those aged 18 and over who visit the UK at least four times a year. Those registered on the scheme will be able to pass through Heathrow and Gatwick airports more quickly by being allowed to access the shortest queues at passport control. More...

How to sell more online in 2015

As more and more exporters are marketing and selling online, we thought these handy tips would help you achieve greater sales success in 2015. Eight key dos and don'ts to keep the virtual tills ringing. More...

Winning Women

Congratulations to Jo Pennycuick of Redesign Group on being selected for Ernst Young's Entrepreneurial Winning Women program, which will see its inaugural year in the Asia-Pacific region in 2015. This year's class also includes women from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea. The year-long program is designed to assist established women-led businesses with scaling operations to become global market leaders.

An executive sponsor of the program, Annette Kimmitt, said “The UN estimates that if women achieved their full economic potential, the Asia-Pacific economy could grow by as much as US$89 billion annually.

“The next step then is to ensure that those women-led businesses that have the ability and desire to grow are able to do so... The North American program has generated some impressive results, including a 63 percent increase in revenue among participants." More...

Exporters bullish for 2015

The 2014 Exporters Survey shows exporters planning for growth in 2015. In the next 12 months the majority (76%) of respondents said they expected business profitability to improve, 19% stay the same and 4% to deteriorate.  Most (53%) expected their business to employ more people with 37% employing the same and only a small number reducing staff (9.7%).

That said, exporters are managing the high NZ dollar with a combination of strategies – the leaders being improving productivity, investing in new product development and hedging.
Also, we can see that these exporters are increasingly moving away from price as their competitive advantage, saying quality of product/service, innovation and customer service are the top three success factors. See the full report here.

Cheers to $500,000

Wellington brewer Yeastie Boys successfully tapped into $500,000 last night, less than 30 minutes after its equity crowdfunding campaign launched.

In December, the craft brewer said it expected to double turnover to about $1.5 million if it managed to raise the money on the PledgeMe platform.

Creative director Stu McKinlay said at the time the capital raised would be used to develop the company's production in Britain and sales across Europe.Zealand and Australia. More...

Advice to Aussie exporters on NZ

Ever wondered what advice your Australian counterparts are given on exporting? Here is a look at their magazine, including a peice on New Zealand as a great place for Australian exporters and investors to do business. The digital edition of the Export Council of Australia’s International Business Today magazine can now be viewed here.

NZ increases range of high quality food produce in the UAE

Spinneys Supermarkets has partnered with New Zealand's premium poultry producer, Tegel Foods to bring Pure New Zealand Premium chicken to UAE consumers.

With the support of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise Dubai (NZTE), Tegel joins a number of New Zealand premium Food & Beverage brands active in the market. More...

Increase your business in China

Are you ready to increase the value of your business with China?

China Connections is on Monday 2 March, 1pm - 7pm at Addington Events Centre, Christchurch.

With a powerful mix of international, national and local speakers, China Connections is the definitive China focused business conference for South Island based exporters, tourism operators, and international education providers. More...

‘China at the Crossroad' now available

New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre informs us that the conference proceedings from the Wellington Conference on Contemporary China in July 2014 are now available in a manuscript published by Victoria University Press.

‘China at the Crossroad’ brings together an outstanding group of specialists from NZ, Australia, China and the US to assess critical issues and trends following China’s Third Plenum in 2013. Essential reading for anyone concerned about China and its impact on New Zealand. The book is available to purchase here

What's happening around the country

There are some great opportunities for improving your business through learnings at seminars, workshops and events. To see what's coming up, go to the ExportNZ home page and scroll down to see what's happening around the country.

ExportNZ
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