19 March 2001

Exports – “This Doesn’t Have To Be As Good As It Gets”

If NZ intends building a less vulnerable economy by having a stronger export community, then there are some basic steps we need to take, according to the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Firstly we need to acknowledge that fewer than 2% of NZ businesses are regular exporters. We need to develop a plan that increases this significantly and ensure that those who are presently exporting can maximise their performance.

Secondly we should not rely on a low dollar as the basis for export success but should focus on improved productivity and efficiency gains as a future point of difference from our competitors.

“The strong pay-out that dairy farmers are presently receiving coupled with our low dollar is a short term benefit but it needs to be coupled with a more sustainable strategy,” Chamber Chief Executive Michael Barnett said.

For more information, contact: Michael Barnett (09) 309 6100 or 021 631 150