International Business Forum Welcomes Updated Business Growth Agenda

by | Sep 15, 2015 | Media Releases

Remove

The New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF) welcomes the Government’s plans to expand export markets in today’s announcement of an updated Business Growth Agenda.

“Trade brings you the car you drive, the clothes you wear, the medicine you take, the device you use and quite likely the job that puts food on your table. But the trade environment is changing. Government and business need to stay ahead of the game.”

The seven priority actions described in the Business Growth Agenda aim to help us do just that”, said NZIBF Executive Director Stephen Jacobi.

The Business Growth Agenda’s revised “Building Export Markets” chapter was released by Ministers in Auckland this morning. The BGA describes how the Government intends to increase the ratio of exports to GDP to 40 percent by 2025. The overall focus is on creating more internationally connected business by growing markets, adding value and diversifying our export base.

The New Zealand International Business Forum has been active in dialogue with the Government to help set the strategic direction of the BGA.

“The Government is aware that it cannot achieve the BGA goals without the involvement of business and the support of the wider community. The document outlines the strategic direction the Government intends to take and the performance measures for which it is willing to be held accountable. This is commendable transparency which merits close attention as the actions are implemented”.

Mr Jacobi said the seven priority actions included an ambitious free trade strategy and maximising the benefits of existing FTAs.

The NZIBF’s priorities include completing a robust and meaningful Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), upgrading the NZ China FTA, initiating new trade negotiations with the European Union as well as improving the environment for investment and competitiveness back home, said Mr Jacobi.

REGISTER WITH TRADE WORKS

Register to stay up to date with latest news, as well as saving and discussing articles you’re interested in.

Latest News

AMIDST THE STORM: ABAC MEETS IN AUCKLAND

Perhaps a cyclone was after all a fitting backdrop for the meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) which was held in Auckland on 12-14 February – the global environment against which the meeting took place is decidedly stormy.  In the event the wind...

A YEAR FOR RECONNECTING

As I write this end of year dispatch, NZIBF is preparing to host the first meeting for 2023 of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).  We are looking forward to welcoming the 200 or so business leaders and senior officials from APEC member economies across the...

NZ Herald: Time to lift our game in India

Following his recent visit to India our Executive Director Stephen Jacobi penned this article advocating a more strategic approach to the further development of the relationship. The article was published by the NZ Herald on 9 December.

APEC Rolls out Priorities for 2023

Issued by the Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting - Honolulu, The United States, 13 December 2022 Aiming to provide tailwinds for member economies to strengthen recovery and resilience, as well as advance broad-based economic growth, the United States rolled out its...

NZIBF 2022 Chair Report

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022 CHAIR’S REPORT I am pleased to present my second report on the activities and achievements of the NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF) for 2022-23, our fifteenth year of operations.  At the outset I would like to thank Members for...

NZ BUSINESS LEADERS AT APEC 2022

New Zealand business will be represented at the APEC Leaders’ Week in Bangkok, commencing 13 November, by members of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). New Zealand’s three members – Rachel Taulelei, Malcolm Johns and Anna Curzon – supported by Stephen Jacobi...

Submission to MFAT for CPTPP Review

30 September 2022 Phil Mellor Economic Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Wellington (By email) Dear Phil, Thank you for your email of 1 September, seeking our comments on the three year review of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans...