Media Release
9 February 2006

Interest in Inaugral Pacific Trade Expo High

All 110 stands at the inaugural Pacific Trade Expo have been filled with more than a month to go before opening.

The fast response from the business community to the foundation event has buoyed Waitakere City Council, a key supporter.

“The speed of the response has illustrated the interest in expanding intra-Pacific trade and is a strong vote of support for this event,” says Councillor Judy Lawley, Chairperson of Waitakere City Council Arts, Events and Culture Special Committee.

Waitakere City Council is working with Manukau City Council and Auckland City Council to encourage Pacific trade and industry, both in Pacific nations and across the greater Auckland region.

“The aim is for the Pacific Trade Expo to be biennial and move around the region, supporting Pacific trade growth and engaging the wider community,” says Councillor Lawley.

“The objective is to develop two-way trade and the representation from both Pacific and New Zealand importers and exporters at the expo is especially heartening,” says Councillor Lawley.

The Pacific Trade Expo forms part of the successful Celebrate Pacifika festival and formalises a growing interest in Pacific trade.

Currently New Zealand merchandised trade with the Pacific is worth around $1 billion, but the Expo sees huge potential for growth.

“It’s a real chance for importers and exporters, large and small to simultaneously expand their business and support the local economy,” says Ms Lawley.

ENDS

The inaugural Pacific Trade Expo will be held at Manukau City TelstraClear events centre on March 13 and 14, 2006.

The event is supported by Waitakere, Auckland and Manukau City Councils, the New Zealand Pacific Business Council, a not-for-profit organisation formed last year to help facilitate trade between Pacific nations, and the Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Commission.

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