New Zealand, New Thinking
The New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea, known as “The Kiwi Chamber,” hosted a breakfast forum with Hon. Steven Joyce, New Zealand minister of economic development, science and innovation, tertiary education, skills and employment yesterday at the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul.
Minister Joyce, who is visiting Korea to attend the OECD Ministerial Meeting on Science and take part in the month-long New Zealand Festival which aims to celebrate the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and longstanding ties between the two countries, addressed over 40 local business community leaders on the topic of “New Zealand, New Thinking.”
New Zealand has successfully fostered an innovative and creative economy, which has led to advancements in agribusiness and accomplishments through its Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop, a world-leading design and effects facility servicing the world’s creative industries.
During his speech, Minister Joyce discussed the strength of the New Zealand–Korea relationship, including science and innovation cooperation and the strong economic links culminating in the signing of an FTA earlier this year. He also gave attendees an update on the New Zealand economy, particularly the government’s Business Growth Agenda, which is a work program focused on improving the six input businesses that New Zealand needs to succeed and grow: export markets, capital markets, innovation, skilled and safe workplaces, natural resources, and infrastructure.
“It is an honor to have Minister Joyce with us today to speak in front of the Kiwi Chamber,” said Simon Walsh, chairman of The Kiwi Chamber. “His timely speech offers insight on New Zealand business innovation and creativity, which in turn can be used to further strengthen Korean-New Zealand business relationships already reinforced by the imminent trade agreement.”
The breakfast forum also included an address by Dr. Mary Quin, chief executive of Callaghan Innovation, a government agency that helps New Zealand businesses succeed through technology. Dr. Quin provided her perspective as someone who had succeeded in businesses internationally before returning to New Zealand, and highlighted the opportunities for New Zealand businesses to grow by innovating.