New Zealand Innovation Boosts Us Tech And Biotech

First ever event gives companies access to US market opportunities and expansion

SAN Francisco, Calif., April 3, 2002 – ANZA Technology Network (ANZA Tech Net), the premier networking organization promoting US and Australian/New Zealand technology business collaboration, today announced the first ever ANZA Technology Showcase to be held in the US (San Francisco, June 2-4, 2002).

Leading New Zealand companies are expected to participate in the Showcase, presenting their business propositions to executives from some of North America’s largest and most innovative tech, biotech and business services organizations.

The Showcase will also feature business forums – addressing key issues that affect companies looking to establish a presence or conduct business development in the US.

ANZA Tech Net Executive Director David Cannington says:

"No other US Conference will provide the same opportunity for our technology companies. It will be the once in the year opportunity to make invaluable contacts, gain wide spread exposure and make important inroads into the US.”

“For US executives, this is the opportunity to view some of the best and brightest from one of the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial regions, under one roof, over two days – this is a first,” he said.

He said Trade New Zealand, the New Zealand Government’s trade and investment promotion agency, has already seen the huge potential of the Showcase for New Zealand companies.

“Trade New Zealand has pledged its support for the showcase and is currently canvassing for a delegation of New Zealand companies to attend through its export network programme’” he said.

A key feature of this programme will include mentoring workshops for those pitching for venture capital.

He urged Australian and New Zealand companies to take advantage of the calmer economic climate in the US and use this time to develop contacts and lay down business foundations that will support future growth.

The Showcase is one of the many ways ANZA Tech Net plans to continue delivering real value to its growing 1,400-member network.

ANZA Tech Net Chairman, Guy Manson, said the corporate mission was to assist companies to build a network of contacts that help them prosper in the US.

“Whether they are looking for service providers, partners, investment bankers, venture capitalists, or fellow Australian or New Zealand executives, our role is to provide a network of people and companies operating in this space,” said Guy Manson.

“We have had an incredible response to every event we have staged so far both in Australia/New Zealand and the US. We fully expect this to be one of our most successful yet,” he said.

Trade New Zealand’s investment arm, Investment New Zealand, was one of the key founding sponsors of ANZA Tech Net last year and continues to be heavily involved.

ANZA Tech Net’s Guy Manson will be in New Zealand in mid-April and will speak about the showcase at a networking event sponsored by Macquarie in Auckland on April 16 and two briefing sessions hosted by Trade New Zealand in Wellington and Christchurch on April 17.

ENDS

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