Pacific Trade opportunity for Manukau businesses

Manukau companies are being given the opportunity to find new markets for their products at the Pacific Trade Expo in March.



The event is organised by the New Zealand Pacific Business Council and sponsored by Manukau City Council. It brings together more than 100 exhibitors and buyers from a broad cross-section of industries and services from Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia and New Zealand.



The expo will give small to medium sized companies not currently exporting the chance to get involved in trade with the Pacific and expand their business.



Manukau City Council Economic Development Group Manager Filemoni Timoteo says the expo is an opportunity that Manukau businesses shouldn’t miss.



“The Pacific is one of New Zealand’s most important export markets. Direct contact with buyers is very valuable in finding new markets for a growing business.



“Manukau City Council is keen to encourage the growth of small and medium businesses by supporting events like the Pacific Trade Expo,” Mr Timoteo says.



The expo runs from 5 to 6 March at the Trusts Stadium in Waitakere city. The organisers have carefully tailored the workshops for local and overseas audiences and have included a fashion extravaganza with a supporting arts and crafts exhibition.



Expo Director Elisabeth Yearbury says New Zealand’s exports to Pacific island countries in 2007 were in excess of $1 billion dollars.



“There’s a large market right on our doorstep, and we must make sure the doors are kept open.”



Representatives from 25 Pacific island countries are expected to attend. The expo is supported by Waitakere, Auckland and Manukau city councils.