Hon Simon Bridges

Minister of Energy and Resources
25 June 2014 Media Statement

Bridges to attend APEC ministers’ meeting

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges leaves for China today to attend the 5th Meeting of APEC Ministers Responsible for Mining.

This year’s meeting has three themes: forging closer cooperation of the mining industry in the Asia-Pacific region; innovation-driven growth; and social responsibility and common development.

“These are all important issues for New Zealand’s mining sector. The progression of them is key to the development of our rich resource potential in a safe, responsible and environmentally sound way,” Mr Bridges says.

“The significant recent reforms to build a stronger health and safety regime and culture in New Zealand mines, which I have progressed as Minister of Labour, will also be of interest to ministerial counterparts at the meeting.”

Mr Bridges will have bilaterals with a number of ministers, including China’s Land and Resources Minister Jiang Daming and Australian Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane.

The APEC meeting is one of nine ministerial meetings which will be hosted in China ahead of the Leaders’ Summit in November.

Mr Bridges returns to New Zealand on 29th June.

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