Sharples leads trade delegation to Malaysia

Businesses from a wide range of sectors are taking part in a trade delegation to Malaysia as part of New Zealand week 2014. The delegation will be led by Māori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples.

“The theme of this year’s New Zealand week in Malaysia is Lima Mata Ikan, or, Rima Mata Ika, which is about exploring and expanding on the cultural and ancestral linkages between Māori, Polynesian and the indigenous peoples of Malaysia,” said Dr. Pita Sharples.

“The delegation will comprise 30 representatives from 18 organisations spanning a range of industries including food and beverage, tourism, and education.”

“Malaysia is New Zealand’s eighth largest trading partner, and is a crucial market for our primary producers as well as growing numbers of entrepreneurs in other sectors such as education and tourism,” said Dr Sharples.

With some delegates set to formalise commercial relationships while in Malaysia, the trade mission is part of an on-going Government strategy to strengthen trade relationships across South East Asia. Dr Sharples and delegates will be taking part in New Zealand Week events across the country.

“Today we head to Kuala Lumpur while the people of Malaysia, and indeed the world, face heart-breaking times. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at them at this time. New Zealanders have not forgotten that Malaysia was one of the first countries in the world to set up a dedicated bank account in the wake of the devastating Christchurch earthquake,” said Dr Sharples.

“Ties between the peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand and Malaysia stretch back millennia, our indigenous peoples share a common language family and heritage.”

“We have a saying in Aotearoa New Zealand: What is the greatest thing of all? It is people. It is people. It is people. It is with this proverb on our minds and in our hearts that we head to Malaysia this week.”

ENDS

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