Understanding the Hong Kong Market

Understanding the Hong Kong Market

3 June 2010: Businesses with an interest in the Hong Kong market have the opportunity to learn more about the recently signed Closer Economic Partnership Agreement between New Zealand and Hong Kong, and what the practical implications are for trade at a series of seminars in mid June.

The New Zealand-Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEP) was signed in Hong Kong on 29 March 2010. It will help New Zealand businesses boost trade with Hong Kong and take further advantage of growing opportunities in the region.

The CEP complements New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreement with China and enhances the potential for Hong Kong to be used as a platform for trade into mainland China.

In order to help businesses maximise the opportunities from the agreement, a series of seminars will be held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Businesses already doing business in Hong Kong, or who have an interest in this market are invited to attend.

Wellington: Wednesday 16 June, 8.30am - 11.00am at the Duxton Hotel, 170 Wakefield St

Auckland: Thursday 17 June, 8.30am - 11.00am at the Langham Hotel, 83 Symonds St

Christchurch: Friday 18 June, 8.30am – 11.00am at the Town Hall, 86 Kilmore St

The seminars will focus on the CEP in a regional trade policy context, the strategic advantages and provisions of the agreement, the areas of opportunity and how these can be unlocked and the benefits of in-market presence.

Speakers include:
• Julian Ludbrook, Lead Negotiator of the CEP, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will outline the details of the CEP and how it affects businesses.
• Sharon-May McCrostie, Trade Commissioner to Hong Kong, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise will provide an overview of the Hong Kong market and the opportunities for New Zealand businesses.
• Ronnie Butt, Asia Marketing Manager, Comvita New Zealand will share Comvita’s experiences of Hong Kong as a market in its own right and as a platform into mainland China.
• Arran Boote, International Tax Director, William Buck New Zealand will discuss how New Zealand businesses can benefit from the CEP and related agreements.

Please register by Tuesday 8 June to: Julie.Burton@mfat.govt.nz or phone 04 439 8157. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. Please ensure you specify which location you wish to attend.

For more information about the New Zealand-Hong Kong CEP and doing business in Hong Kong visit www.mfat.govt.nz or www.nzte.govt.nz

ENDS