Two Weeks To Go Global

For Immediate Release
09 February 2004

TWO WEEKS TO GO GLOBAL

Registrations are filling fast for the GO GLOBAL export summit in Auckland on Friday, 27 February.

Chief executive of the Employers & Manufacturers Association, Alasdair Thompson, says New Zealand businesses have natural competitive advantages and they need to leverage these to be successful in international trade.

"Our trade competitiveness is currently challenged by a fluctuating currency and our exporters are facing a tough year," Mr Thompson said. "Yet, while adverse currency movements may take the shine off, exporters need to keep uppermost in mind that their performance is not determined by the value of our dollar alone."

Mr Thompson made the comments as registrations opened for EMA's GO GLOBAL Summit which will bring together up to 500 exporters in the Auckland Town Hall on Friday 27 February and provide them with 'passports to trade.'

The one day event is designed to demonstrate to existing and emerging exporters the importance of harnessing New Zealand's international perception as a clean, green and innovative country to succeed in the world's most competitive markets.

"In a highly competitive international marketplace New Zealand's clean green image is a strategic advantage. We have many innovative brands taking on the world's best and succeeding. GO GLOBAL is a great opportunity for Kiwi exporters to learn more on leveraging our 'natural' advantage, and hear trade secrets from our leading exporters."

Exporters will be given the chance to learn the secrets to international success from some of New Zealand's leading trade experts. Attendees will hear from seventeen of New Zealand's foremost exporters and international trade specialists including Tim Goodacre, Chief Executive of Zespri International and Peter Hubscher, Chief Executive of Montana Wines Ltd.

Speakers will offer insights and views into how exporters can rise above dependence on currency movements and become more competitive, and less vulnerable, in overseas markets. Through a series of high-level presentations and case studies they will share their successes and failures and show businesses how they can adapt and improve to become truly competitive - globally.

Mr Thompson says exporters can be strategically positioned to reap the benefits of international opportunities.

"The EMA is behind GO GLOBAL because we believe that exporting is critical to New Zealand's growth. There are valuable lessons to be learned from the successes and failures of many of our leading exporters - lessons that can help New Zealand businesses, and the New Zealand economy, grow through international trade."

Businesses can get their passports to trade and register for GO GLOBAL by visiting www.nzgoglobal.co.nz .

Speakers and topics include:

- Professor Mike Pratt, Dean of Waikato Management School and Director of Peak Performance at Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide on what it takes to create an icon brand

- Peter Hubscher, Chief Executive of Montana Wines Ltd on effective marketing strategies

- Jo Hume, Operations Manager at NZBCSD on trends in international consumer demands and purchasing

- Tim Goodacre, Chief Executive of Zespri International Limited on authentic marketing

- Michael Stedman, Managing Director, Natural History New Zealand on adaptability .... and many more.

To view the full list of speakers and their topics visit www.nzgoglobal.co.nz http://www.nzgoglobal.co.nz/

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