EPIC NZ Conference – Ethnic People in Commerce

EPIC NZ Conference – Ethnic People in Commerce, the Challenge and Potential

Boosting the contribution of small and medium size ethnic businesses to the New Zealand economy, and looking at ways they can help expand New Zealand’s access to Asia-Pacific markets are on the agenda of a conference organised by the Office of Ethnic Affairs.

The EPIC NZ Conference, at Skycity Auckland Convention Centre on Friday 18 May will also include discussions about:
How Asian demand has helped New Zealand through the global financial crisis
Challenges, opportunities and support for New Zealand’s ethnic businesses
Opening doors to India, China and the ASEAN region
The importance of ethnic people’s connections, networks and relationships for domestic economic gain.

Key speakers are:
The Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Hon Judith Collins
Bonnie Shek, Director, Australia/New Zealand Hong Kong Trade Development Council
John Ballingall, Deputy Chief Executive, NZ Institute of Economic Research
Fred Ohlsson, Managing Director, Business Banking, ANZ New Zealand
Annah Stretton, Managing Director, Stretton Group

Ninety seven per cent of businesses in New Zealand employ fewer than 20 people and many are run by ethnic people who tend to rely on their own community networks for advice and support.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs' Director, Mervin Singham says “There is some evidence that with more information on undertaking business in New Zealand and more knowledge about trading, tax issues, and developing business infrastructure ethnic businesses could be greatly increasing their contribution to New Zealand’s economy.”

"Ethnic small and medium size businesses (SMEs) are a latent and potent force for the economy, whose contribution towards economic rejuvenation remains untapped."

Mr Singham says ethnic business people also have links with their countries of origin which could be used by mainstream businesses looking to tap global market opportunities.

“Improving the productivity, profitability and connectivity of the ethnic SME sector is seen as a factor in improving the economic performance of New Zealand. Making better international linkages can help lift this country’s economic performance,” he says.

In conjunction with the conference, the Office of Ethnic Affairs has launched a website: www.epicnz.co.nz which provides a platform to connect ethnic business people with those from the wider community, allowing a sharing of skills, knowledge and expertise for the benefit of both sectors.

EPIC NZ Conference
Date: Friday 18 May 2012
Time: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Place: Skycity Auckland Convention Centre, 88 Federal Street, Auckland

Full Programme and website at www.epicnz.co.nz

ENDS

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