Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton today praised the Ministry of Economic Development for its investment in staff training and development.

As part of this commitment the Ministry sent 16 staff overseas for courses and study that could not be obtained in New Zealand. Institutions involved included the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, MIT, Oxford University, Australia National University and the London School of Economics.

"For years the capacity of government agencies has been run down and neglected," said Jim Anderton.

"It is vital that key Ministry staff are given the opportunity to work with overseas experts and develop the skills that can be put to work here for New Zealand," said Jim Anderton.

"It is excellent that the Ministry of Economic Development is taking positive steps to ensure it is at leading edge of public sector management and development," said Jim Anderton.

"The use of scholarships and awards to recognise staff achievement and potential is excellent and will continue to guarantee high quality advice from the Ministry of Economic Development," said Jim Anderton.

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