Fourth US NZ Partnership Forum to Be Held in Christchurch, 20-22 February 2011

Christchurch will host United States and New Zealand government, business and community leaders at the fourth US NZ Partnership Forum, to be held 20-22 February 2011.

The announcement of the host city was made today in Washington at the Annual General Meeting of the US NZ Council by Stephen Jacobi, Executive Director of the NZUS Council.

“In February, the NZUS Council and our Washington-based counterpart will bring together over 100 senior New Zealand and US thought leaders and influencers to discuss how the expanding relationship between the two countries can be enhanced even further,” said Mr Jacobi.

The delegations will meet under “Chatham House rules” and discuss ways in which the relationship can contribute to both countries’ strategic interests in trade and investment, science and technology, innovation and business development.

“The Partnership Forum, which has met three times since 2006 (twice in Washington and once in Auckland), has proven its worth,” said Mr Jacobi.

“The Forum has successfully established new momentum in the relationship and provided an important platform for both governments to take it to a whole new level. A feature of the Forum has been the strong relationships created between individual participants. These relationships will be critical to New Zealand as we seek to conclude the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations with the United States and six other partners.”

Mr Jacobi said the NZUS Council was delighted to be bringing the event to Christchurch and was grateful for the strong support already offered by the Mayor of Christchurch and the local business community.

“It makes sense to hold this meeting in Christchurch which is the home of the United States International Antarctic Programme. The Partnership Forum will be an important opportunity to showcase the city, its science, technology and education capabilities as well as its tourist attractions to an influential American audience”.

ENDS

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