ANZBC Gears up for ASEAN 40th Anniversary Year

5 February 2015

ANZBC Gears up for ASEAN 40th Anniversary Year

As New Zealand enters its 40th year of formal engagement with the ASEAN community, the ASEAN New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC) is taking steps to boost its profile and level of activity in the ASEAN business arena.

Liz Bell has this month taken over as Executive Director, whilst outgoing ED, David Catty is now concentrating on strategic activities to move ANZBC forward and extend its influence in the 13 billion dollar trade market.

“Having enjoyed several years of good membership growth and sponsorship support, we are now in a position to take the Council to another level” said Chairman, Alister Lawrence. “It’s particularly timely with the planned 40th Anniversary activities and the prospect of the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community at the end of the year.”

The management roles have been split to introduce a new Executive Director to look after the core business and to utilise David Catty’s strategic experience and knowledge of ASEAN business structures to move the Council forward in a variety of areas.

Liz Bell was recently with the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council and previously, in Wellington, had international Trade analyst roles with NZ Customs, then the Ministry of Economic Development, where she negotiated the Rules of Origin for the NZ China Free Trade Agreement.

“Our trade with ASEAN has now caught up with that of the EU and will inevitably become our biggest trading region. With a population of 600 million, rapidly emerging middle classes and enjoying with us a high quality Free Trade Agreement, its businesses are eager to engage with us.” continued Mr Lawrence. ”We are setting ANZBC up to play a full part in promoting and facilitating ASEAN as a good place to do business.”

For further information visit www.asean.org.nz

ENDS

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