18 November 2009
Media Statement

Huo applauds launch of Asia-New Zealand business project

A significant step has been taken in improving business opportunities between New Zealand and Asia, says Labour’s Associate Ethnic Affairs Spokesperson Raymond Huo.

The Business Education Partnership, launched this week by the Asia New Zealand Foundation, is about preparing the next generation of business people for a future increasingly dominated by Asian economies.

“The business sector has recognised the need for young people to have a greater knowledge of Asian cultures, languages, customs and people in order to form successful business relationships with this part of the world in the future;” Raymond Huo said.

“Since the then Trade Minister and now leader of the Labour Party Phil Goff signed the FTA with China last year, exports to China have risen by 62 per cent, making China, Japan and Korea our largest trading partners after the US and Australia.

“This is an example of the potential Asia has to influence New Zealand’s economic future.

“For New Zealand to maximise the economic benefits of trading with Asia, our young people have to develop an insight into and understanding of all aspects of the region.”

Raymond Huo said that in announcing the Business Education Partnership, Asia New Zealand Foundation Director Dr Richard Grant said it was being launched by the Foundation in conjunction with 43 leading New Zealand companies who saw the need for young New Zealanders to be better educated on Asia.

“I support Dr Grant’s comment that the declaration urges greater attention to learning about Asia in our schools, so that New Zealand has a workforce that is better informed about the region and better equipped to deal with it.

“New Zealand has never been a mono-cultural country and is no longer a bi-cultural country. To be a successful player in this modern, globalised world, our relationship with Asia must be strong,” said Raymond Huo.

ENDS

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