Beachheads programme attracts more exporters

28 February 2006

Beachheads programme attracts more exporters

Seventy companies have joined the government's Beachheads programme, aimed at helping exporters into their key markets overseas, with 35 joining in the last year alone, Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard announced today.

"The Beachheads Programme, run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, is a prime example of a government scheme which provides valuable support in-market, through a private-public partnership, to businesses looking to expand offshore," Trevor Mallard said.

“Opening up markets for New Zealand is a top government priority and the Beachheads Programme is ideally placed to support that objective. There are already Beachheads in place in the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, Dubai and Tokyo. Additional beachheads will be considered to meet the increasing demand.

“The aim of the Beachheads Programme is to support our companies into key markets. It provides office solutions, clustering with other New Zealand companies, access to expert in-market advice and support, and an entry point to the contacts and networks needed to grow a business.”

Trevor Mallard made the comments during a keynote debate ‘Continental Shifts', with members of the Beachheads Programme’s UK, US and NZ Advisory Boards, as part of newthinking'06.

"The focus would be turning towards export potential in the lead-up to Export Year 2007 and that Beachheads Week presented an ideal opportunity for discussion.

“A move back to the basics; getting exporters offshore to understand the market and the competition, and giving them the support when there, are some of the features which will be built into our strategy to help build a strong platform for the future.

“This process is an important part of our economic transformation into a high-value export-led economy that can raise New Zealanders' standard of living."

(editors: See also Trevor Mallard's speech at www.beehive.govt/nz/mallard and
the following information about Beachheads Week:

Beachheads Week is part of newthinking'06 which is destined to become the major annual event for New Zealand’s high potential growth companies and the essential business meeting for New Zealand’s rising stars.

The event programme brings together a wide range of companies from the life sciences and ICT sector for industry updates, investor and partnering presentations, networking, technical sessions and concurrent exhibitions, launched with a breakfast debate hosted by NZTE. It provides opportunities for the national and international participants to explore collaborations and synergies and share information and expertise.

For more information on the Beachheads Programme and on Beachheads Week events see www.nzte.govt.nz/beachheads

ENDS

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