Thinking about China

I received an email from Export NZ (BOP) on Saturday inviting me to a briefing next Wednesday at the Chapel Street offices.

Export NZ Bay of Plenty is planning a business delegation to China next year for both their 'Sister Cities' relationships and to coincide with the Shanghai World Expo 2010. For me, this might just map some longer term thoughts.

New Zealand business is uniquely placed to take advantage of the 2010 Expo. As the first, and at this point, only country in the world to sign a Free Trade Agreement with China, it provides NZ business with a great opportunity.

The NZ Government has already committed considerable resource to build an NZ Pavilion at the event. A number of other initiatives are underway to facilitate engagement between Kiwi and Chinese corporations.

So far as Wednesday's invite is concerned, I am signing up. Time perhaps to build some more substance around those thoughts.