Global appointment strengthens NZ’s business profile

Media Release
28 February 2013

Global appointment strengthens NZ’s business profile on the world stage

New Zealand’s growing importance as a key player in the Asia Pacific region has been further enhanced by the re-appointment of William Buck Christmas Gouwland’s Arran Boote as regional Chair of one of the world’s largest economic alliances.

Mr Boote will serve as Asia Pacific Chair of the International Governing Council of Praxity for a further three-year term.

Praxity is the world's largest alliance of independent accounting firms, representing 30,000 people in 84 countries, and is in the top ten economic alliances internationally.

Currently International Advisory Director with leading New Zealand accounting and advisory firm, William Buck Christmas Gouwland, Mr Boote said his appointment recognises the country’s growing profile among the Asia Pacific business community.

“We have been instrumental in expanding the ASEAN single market to the ASEAN+6, an original signee to the Trans Pacific Partnership. Our exporters are nimble on the ground and our country offers some unique benefits which many investors are beginning to recognise,” he said.

“Lower costs, easy access to other markets and our honest approach to business are just some of the reasons why more investors are looking to our shores”.

“We need to recognise and promote these strengths to encourage greater investment in our economy.

“While I have a very different agenda in my position as Asia Pacific Chair of Praxity, it has certainly enabled me to assist many NZ and Australian exporters to access the economies of China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines in particular. We have also been at the forefront of leading trade missions to Vietnam and Myanmar.”

Mr Boote said his re-appointment was driven by his ability to grow the region’s profile on the world stage and encourage Praxity members to work together.

“During my first term, I was able to establish a more collaborative approach between alliance members in the Asia Pacific region than had ever existed before,” he said.

“In turn, this enabled us to become one of the most active regions in the alliance and implement initiatives that have become a model for others to follow.”

Arran, who also works out of offices in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, is also a Member of the Hong Kong Business Association, China Business Association, ASEAN Business Council, Trustee of the Tourism Industry Association of NZ and is also the Chair of the Tax Committee for Praxity International.

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