media release

NEW AGENCY AIMS TO IMPROVE CAPABILITY AND COMPETIVENESS OF NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS

A global organisation with the aim of improving the capability and international competitiveness of New Zealand businesses and exporters is officially launched today.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the New Zealand government’s trade and economic development agency, formed from the merger of Trade New Zealand and Industry New Zealand.

It will provide a single organisation that can offer seamless, flexible and responsive service to businesses throughout their life cycle, from start-ups to internationally competitive exporting companies.

Chief Executive Tim Gibson said the new organistion will act as a catalyst to assist businesses to reach their growth potential. “Special importance will be placed on growing businesses and sectors with the potential for high growth and in which New Zealand has international competitive advantage.

“In most instances our services will be provided directly to businesses. Existing client can expect similar service and support as in the past, and will be able to access a comprehensive service range to address capability and market development needs as they arise,” Mr Gibson said. “We will also develop new programmes and services to meet and anticipate the changing needs of New Zealand’s businesses, sectors and regions.”

Among the services offered to individual businesses will be advice and mentoring, training and up-skilling, investment facilitation, market intelligence, market development, networking and co-funding.

Mr Gibson said sectors would drive New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s approach in the development of its organisational strategies. “Businesses often face similar issues as they grow their businesses, and these issues are best approached collectively rather than individually,” he said. “A sector approach enables businesses to identify and address more easily many of the systemic barriers to business growth such as talent and skills shortages or inadequate infrastructure.

“Working collaboratively with regions to unlock their economic development potential and stimulate growth is another key area of our work.”

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise will provide market intelligence and market development services from its 38 offshore offices. This global capability is aligned with local strategies to develop sectors from a national and regional perspective, while assisting individual firms to improve their capabilities to take these new opportunities.

Mr Gibson said another important element in the work of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise would be to foster a culture within New Zealand that supports and celebrates business successes and encourages students to consider business as a viable career option.

“We will also promote New Zealand internationally as a world leader in innovation and at the forefront of new technology,” Mr Gibson said.

ENDS

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