Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

Engagement with business


Greater integration with the world economy will reap dividends for New Zealand business, the Prime Minister told business leaders today.

Addressing the BusinessNZ economic update meeting in Auckland this morning, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the EU and UK were signalling potentially speedy conclusions to free trade agreements with New Zealand, possibly by the end of 2019 for the EU.

The Prime Minister also pledged ongoing effort to fix skills shortages which are affecting many businesses.

BusinessNZ Kirk Hope said trade and skills were top concerns for many firms, and the Government’s focus on those issues was welcome.

"Externally, we are a trade-dependent country and the terms of trade agreements with significant markets are critical for growth. Hearing of the Prime Minister’s success in possibly speeding up two key trade agreements is very positive for business.

"Internally, we are experiencing labour market shortages across a range of skilled and unskilled positions, and those shortages are a real barrier to business growth. Business looks forward to remedies in terms of better training systems and immigration where needed."

Kirk Hope said the Government’s willingness to engage with business on key issues was appreciated.

ENDS


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.