Trade NZ has message for South Island exporters

Trade NZ has message for South Island exporters

Be ready to network - that is the advice Trade New Zealand will be telling potential exporters when it attends the South Island Agricultural Field Days for the first time.

The field days, New Zealand’s largest farm machinery demonstrations event, will be held at Lincoln University from March 26-28.

Trade New Zealand and Industry New Zealand in conjunction with NZ Agritech Inc will be on the look-out for new exporters, especially from the South Island, when they visit the field days.

Grant Sewell, Trade New Zealand account manager for the Agritech sector, said networking was a key strategy for those considering breaking into overseas markets.

“There are some New Zealand companies that have huge experience overseas and who are often willing to assist others with the benefit of that hard won experience,” he said.

“This free exchange of information often results in valuable tips being passed on, and new exporters then expand successfully overseas alongside our large companies. Networking is invaluable.”

Mr Sewell said Trade New Zealand was also keen to help, with funding available for overseas trade fairs, travelling road shows, and the hosting of visiting overseas companies, farmers and journalists.

NZ Agritech Inc, which was set up in 1994 to work alongside Trade New Zealand, aims to promote collaborative marketing promotions overseas. Mr Sewell said in the past NZ Agritech Inc had not attracted many South Island companies and the field days would be a good way to raise its profile.

As well as board members touring the stands during the field days, an evening seminar on exporting was planned.

Errol Costello, SIAFD committee secretary, said the presence of Trade NZ, Industry NZ and NZ Agritech Inc was a great way to add something extra for exhibitors. “Hopefully, they will be able to identify export opportunities for some of the smaller businesses.”

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