Strong line-up of speakers for NZ Transport Summit

Strong line-up of speakers for NZ Transport Summit

5 February 2013

Two further industry leaders have been confirmed as speakers for The New Zealand Transport Summit, bringing a strong line-up of sector leaders to Wellington for the February 18-19 summit.

Emirates Airline Senior Vice President, Andrew J Parker, will give a presentation on international aviation trends. Mr Parker, based in Dubai, is responsible for the airline’s public, international and industry affairs, and its environment activities.

Tourism Industry Association CEO, Martin Snedden, will take a session on the role of tourism in the economy and its impact on transport. Mr Snedden is the former CEO of the company responsible for staging the Rugby World Cup and former head of New Zealand Cricket.

The summit’s theme – Driving Economic Growth – will be addressed by a wide range of speakers including Secretary-General of the OECD’s International Transport Forum, José Viegas, who will speak about international transport trends and innovations.

National Infrastructure Coordinator of Infrastructure Australia, Michael Deegan, will talk about how the public and private sectors can best work together to optimise the use of the transport system to support economic growth.

Lowy Institute for International Policy Director, Mark Thirlwell, will take part in two panel discussions looking at economic aspects of global trade trends and local infrastructure development.

New Zealand’s Minister of Transport, Gerry Brownlee, will give the summit’s opening address. New Associate Transport Minister, Michael Woodhouse, will give the closing address.

Ministry of Transport Chief Executive Martin Matthews says New Zealand is geographically remote. “There is a great deal of blue space between us and our export markets.

“So how do we create a more integrated, connected transport system that optimises market opportunities for trade and enterprise? The summit will be a key forum to discuss these challenges and focus on meeting our future needs.”

The summit sessions will include: the linkages between the economy and transport and New Zealand’s place in world trade; international shipping and aviation trends and their influence on New Zealand; transport infrastructure – investment, funding and industry collaboration; and how New Zealand should position itself in global supply chains.

The summit will be held at Te Papa Museum, Wellington. Registration costs $1,295 + GST.

Further information can be found at www.transportsummit.co.nz

ENDS

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