A group of prominent Auckland business leaders head to Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands next week, led by Len Brown, Mayor of the city with the largest Pacific population in the world.
Auckland Council’s second international trade delegation, led by the Mayor with the support of Councillor Mike Lee, aims to further develop closer economic and political relationships with Auckland’s three Pacific partner countries.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between New Zealand and Samoa, as well as the 50th anniversary of Samoan independence, and the mission also serves to acknowledge these important milestones.
“I am proud of the close association we enjoy with the Samoan, Tongan and Cook Island communities living in the Auckland region,” says Len Brown. “We value their very special contribution to the diversity and vibrancy of our city. We want to see sustainable economic development flourish between our countries, and enable the communities of the Pacific to enjoy a secure and prosperous future.”
Delegates will include selected Auckland business executives drawn from the education, infrastructure and food & beverage sectors. These are amongst the priority sectors in Auckland Council’s Economic Development Strategy. Together they represent 23 per cent of the Auckland economy.
The mission aims to renew, stimulate and strengthen relationships with Auckland’s partner countries; to present a unified Auckland approach to promoting the city’s capabilities and its contribution to sustainable development in the Pacific; to provide a catalyst for business opportunities for participating companies and increase two-way trade opportunities; and provide participants with a greater understanding of the Pacific market.
Delegates will receive briefings by the New Zealand High Commissioners and other relevant business representatives; attend official receptions and networking functions; undertake site visits to key infrastructure projects and relevant business operations; meet with businesses in the food and beverage, education and infrastructure sectors; and meet with key government officials and business organisations.
The mission is organised by Auckland Council and supported by Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), with the support of key stakeholders in Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands.
Source: Press Release – Auckland Council
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