Jenny Shipley Leader of the Opposition

1 June 2001

Opposition Leader Jenny Shipley will travel to China next week to deliver a keynote speech to an APEC CEO Forum.

The Forum is the centrepiece of a week-long APEC Investment Mart in the coastal city of Yantai. The Investment Mart is only the second of its kind; the first was held in Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea, in June 1999. It attracted 5,400 visitors, including 2,800 prospective investors.

Mrs Shipley will speak at the opening of the Investment Mart, and will deliver a longer keynote speech at the APEC CEO Forum to an audience of trade ministers and officials from APEC countries, chief executives from financial institutions and the heads of APEC transnational corporations.

"I regard it as a great opportunity to promote New Zealand to some of the most influential corporate and sectoral leaders in APEC," Mrs Shipley said.

"I have been asked to speak on the issues of economic globalisation, the new economy and regional economic integration, all of which are crucial considerations if New Zealand is to achieve its economic potential."

"I see this as an opportunity to reinforce New Zealand's views on trade liberalisation - and the ways in which it can assist developed and developing economies in meeting their economic, social and environmental needs in this globalised environment.

The Investment Mart in Yantai provides potential investors with detailed information on the investment policies and frameworks of APEC economies. It will feature over 1,000 exhibition booths promoting the business environments, policies and opportunities of APEC member countries.

Mrs Shipley leaves for China on Wednesday June 7 and will deliver her keynote speech on Friday June 9. The costs of her visit are being met by the Chinese Government.

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