6 March 2008

$4 million success for Pacific Trade Expo

The Labour-led government is determined that the momentum created by the Pacific Trade Expo held at Waitakere City continues.

The expo which concluded today attracted more than 2,600 visitors over two days and generated a high level of business activity.

"Based on the preliminary responses from the 120 stallholders involved from New Zealand and the Pacific region, it appears that $4 million worth of business over the next 12 months has been signed up," Pacific Island Affairs and Associate Trade Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban said.

"This is a fantastic result, particularly as exhibitor's report that the value in business will be in excess of this figure over the next few months. The expo has provided an excellent opportunity for relationship building and encouraging access to each others markets.

"By facilitating face-to-face contact amongst participants, the expo has promoted trade expansion 'the Pacific way'," Laban said.

"For example a Fijian company manufacturing top-end furniture from the wood of non-coconut bearing trees has been delighted at the sales made. A New Zealand company which develops a low-cost, high quality shelter for emergency housing and disaster relief say they have been deluged with enquires," Laban said.

"Seminars held in conjunction with the expo have also provided a forum for issues around market access for Pacific exporters hoping to expand sales in New Zealand. While we cannot afford to lower our guard on bio security, discussions have been held on how we can best work alongside Pacific exporters to facilitate business."

Laban said the expo organisers, the New Zealand Pacific Business Council, assisted by the Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Commission and the city councils of Auckland, Waitakere and Manukau city councils, are to be congratulated on the success of the event which has promoted economic development for the whole Pacific region.

ENDS

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