28 October 2009 Media Statement

Dalziel: Japan New Zealand Forum will seek to build stronger partnership between two countries

Labour Commerce spokesperson Lianne Dalziel, who will attend the second Japan New Zealand Partnership Forum in Tokyo on Friday, is confident the Forum will provide an excellent opportunity to build on our relationship with Japan.

Lianne Dalziel says the second Forum, organised by the New Zealand International Business Forum, is being held at an opportune time as signs of economic recovery in both countries allow a focus on developing new economic opportunities and other forms of co-operation.

“The first Forum, held in May last year, has re-invigorated our relationship, and it is clearly important to continue to work on issues like sustainable energy resources, food safety and climate change,” Lianne Dalziel said.

The second Forum is being attended by more than 100 political and business leaders from both countries.

“This high level of representation is what underscores the Forum’s mana,” Lianne Dalziel said.

“The original event last year was attended by Prime Minister Helen Clark and by Phil Goff, then Trade Minister and now Labour Leader, and I am pleased New Zealand and Japan are maintaining a strong commitment to this year’s event.

“When Phil Goff was there last year, he emphasised the shared values that underpin the relationship between our two countries, such as a common commitment to justice, democracy and international law, the strong people-to-people ties, and our shared interest in promoting the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region,” Lianne Dalziel said.

“Phil also talked then, however, about the need to maintain a broad scope for discussion at the Forum, including climate change, and a wide range of issues around innovation, technology and environmental products.

“I believe there will be more discussion around the commercialisation of such opportunities at this second Forum, and I look forward to being part of the strong New Zealand delegation.”

ENDS