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Message from the executive director

The USA never seems to be out of the news these days, and not least in the exporting world. 

As you'll see in our latest Trade Update below, a potential trade war is brewing. Last week President Trump signed an executive order enabling the imposition of 25% tariffs on some $60 billion of Chinese imports. 

We're also waiting to see what will follow Trump's announcement two weeks ago that the US is going to impose 25% tariffs on many steel imports and 10% on aluminium imports globally. There may at least be temporary exemptions for some countries. I discuss the potential impacts on New Zealand if some of these tariffs actually get imposed. 

Catherine Beard

027 463 3212 or cbeard@exportnz.org.nz

Trade Update

In this month's trade update, the latest news on CPTPP, Pacific Alliance, MERCOSUR, UK, EU, and I discuss the latest developments from the USA as a potential trade war is brewing. 
Last week President Trump signed an executive order enabling the imposition of 25% tariffs on some $60 billion of Chinese imports. 

Also, the US announced two weeks ago that it was going to impose 25% tariffs on many steel imports. This has sparked new talks. What will the impact be on NZ? Will we be exempted? More...

New Smart Visas for Thailand

Thailand has recently launched a new SMART Visa Programme, designed for highly skilled professionals and talents working or investing in 10 targets industries.

SMART Visas can last for up to four years, instead of one, and they eliminate the need for work permits.

Click here to see if you're eligible->>

MOU with Vietnam signed!

We have now signed an MOU with Vietnam to help cooperation between our two countries. We were happy that Sir Ken Stevens, Chair of ExportNZ, could represent BusinessNZ at the signing  ceremony on 13 March at the Vietnam Business Forum, in Auckland. It was attended by the Prime Minister of Vietnam, representatives of the Government of NZ, and business representatives of both Vietnam and NZ.

According to a forecast by PricewaterhouseCoopers in February 2017, Vietnam may be the fastest-growing of the world's economies, with a potential annual GDP growth rate of about 5.1%, which would make its economy the 20th-largest in the world by 2050.

Laying the stepping stones to an innovative future

Companies with a fresh approach – targeting new markets and producing new products and services – are likely to be future leaders.

In this opinion piece featured on Stuff.co.nz, BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope poses the question, 'how innovative is business in New Zealand?' More... 

Government Procurement Business Survey 2018

Here's your chance to have your say! This survey seeks feedback from organisations that supply government, about how the procurement of goods and services is undertaken across government.  This includes procurement by any government department, Ministry, crown entity, district health board, tertiary education institution or local authority i.e. is not just the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Through this survey, MBIE will learn about your experiences with government procurement, the improvements you saw and the issues you may have faced.  This will help them design further enhancements to improve practice.  You can read about the results from previous year’s survey here.

The survey is now open, and will close on Wednesday 10 April 2018.  You can respond to this survey on your computer, phone or tablet.  We will publish a report outlining the findings of the survey later this year.

Please click here to start the survey now!

DIY distribution key to success for Olivado

Supply and distribution are two of the biggest issues Kiwi exporters are faced with, especially when it comes to food and beverage products.

I caught up with Jason Vokes who runs the New Zealand operations of Olivado from Kerikeri, to learn how this company have overcome both issues to grow into the biggest producer of organic avocado oil in the world. More...

Catherine Beard

F&B Investor Guides now available

New Zealand is a major global food & beverage exporter, but we have significant untapped capacity to export more and are well positioned to triple our food & beverage exports over the next 15 years.

MBIE's research has identified some twenty categories already achieving success and with strongly growing markets, particularly in East and South East Asia.

Check out the latest guides from MBIE on Emerging Growth Opportunities in the New Zealand Food and Beverage 2017, Investment Opportunities in the New Zealand Cherry Industry and Investment Opportunities in the New Zealand Chocolate Industry here->>

Intelligent transport systems could earn $1.5 billion a year

Intelligent transport systems could be a sunrise tech industry for New Zealand, earning up to $1.5 billion a year, a new industry report has found.

Unlocking commercial opportunities from intelligent transport systems is a call to action for both business and the Government, recognising the enormous potential for developing and manufacturing intelligent transport systems such as self-driving cars and drones in New Zealand.

The report calls for greater collaboration between the Government and business to unlock innovation and export growth around ITS technology and services. More...

New Engineering Resource Portal Launches

Engineering e2e with Business NZ just launched a new resource portal for engineering firms to improve their HR capacity.
REE (Resources for Engineering Employers) contains resources specifically targeted at recruiting, retaining and growing talent in the engineering sector.

The online portal segments employment into the key areas identified by a 2016 consultation across the sector. Small to medium business owners identified recruitment and retention of engineers as a particular challenge. Growth through training and development opportunities is seen as an industry wide solution for retaining the engineering talent pool.

Visit ree.org.nz for more information->>

Learn about trade policy

Understanding the rapid changes in the international trading system is vital for business and policy-makers alike.

There are some executive education courses in trade policy coming up in the next few months in Auckland and Wellington. 

Find out more here->>

Australia keeps playing field level for New Zealand wine

If your business is facing unjust regulations and rules in foreign markets have you ever thought that maybe they could be challenged? The New Zealand Government is maintaining the focus on barriers to trade and welcomes inquiries from exporters concerned with restrictions affecting their sales in off-shore markets.

Throughout 2016, the New Zealand Government worked with domestic wine producers to protect their eligibility for an Australian wine tax rebate that saves them tens of millions of dollars each year. More...

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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