13 September 2000 Media Statement

Government hosts business forum

Prime Minister Helen Clark has invited key business leaders to a forum with government ministers to identify policy initiatives to improve New Zealand's economic performance. The forum will be held in Auckland on October 24.

"The government's goal is to build a sustainably growing economy, which produces ever more sophisticated goods and services and guarantees New Zealanders high standards of living.

"The government acknowledges the limitations on what governments can achieve on their own. That is why we actively seek partnerships across the economic sectors and society as a whole.

"The challenges New Zealand face can only be met effectively by working partnerships between stake holders and government. This forum is a further step in building partnerships between government and business," Helen Clark said.

The forum which will be held in Auckland on Tuesday 24 October 2000 at the Auckland offices of Buddle Findlay.

Ministers who will be attending include Helen Clark, Jim Anderton, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Economic Development and Industry and Regional Development; Michael Cullen, Minister of Finance and Revenue; Steve Maharey, Minister of Social Services and Employment; Phil Goff, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Trevor Mallard, Minister of Education and Associate Minister of Finance; Pete Hodgson, Minister of Research, Science and Technology; Margaret Wilson, Minister of Labour; Lianne Dalziel, Minister of Immigration; Mark Burton, Minister of SOEs and Tourism; and Paul Swain, Minister of Commerce, Communications and Information Technology. Business leaders invited are from a range of sectors.

The forum is a private function at which Chatham House rules will apply. There will be a media briefing after the forum

ENDS

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