English Accepts Invite To Deliver Keynote Speech In US

National Party Leader, the Hon Bill English has been invited by Governor Bill Owens of Colorado to deliver the keynote address to the Governor's Science and Technology Commission in Aspen on 17-18 March.

"I am delighted to accept this invitation as Colorado, with about 4.2 million people, is at the cutting edge of developing initiatives with the private sector in the field of science and technology. It is one of only two States to have established a science and technology forum at Cabinet level.

"The Commission meeting in Aspen will focus on major areas of interest to me - high tech communications technology, biotechnology, and the use of venture capital to underpin development in these areas.

" I will be speaking about foreign direct investment to New Zealand and what an incoming National Government can deliver to encourage that.

"About 125 leaders of major technology companies will be represented at the meeting, including a number of substantial companies operating in areas directly complementary to New Zealand's unique economy.

" I am looking forward to the opportunity to develop relationships with people who have an innovation strategy and know how to commercialise it. Direct foreign investment and joint ventures, including with government organisations, will play an important part of an incoming National Government's economic strategy.

"While I am in the United States I have also accepted an invitation by General Eberhart, the Commander in Chief of the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and US Space Command, to tour the operations centre at Cheyenne Mountain," says Mr English

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