China visit to promote Far North investment

A delegation of business interests led by Far North Mayor Wayne Brown leaves for China today to champion the Far North as a great place to invest.

The delegation will represent and promote sectors such as forestry, horticulture, tourism, fishing and Aquaculture, animal husbandry, mining, geothermal and education and will be in China for up to 10 days.

The itinerary in China has been arranged by the Liaoning provincial government which will host the delegation. The business and local government delegation has been arranged as a reciprocal visit under the council's Sister City relationship with Liaoning.

The delegation will meet many of Liaoning's most senior government officials to share areas of expertise with the aim of promoting the district's commercial advantages, to attract new businesses and encourage business relationships with the Far North.

Included in the delegation of 11 are Per and Clara Lugnet representing education interests and niche Far North businesses, Shane Lloydd representing tourism, Northtec Regional Manager Phil Giles representing education, Gavin Ussher representing agriculture, Mani Ihaka representing fishing, aquaculture and iwi economic development, Bill Birnie and Adrian Burr both representing business interests.

The delegates meet their own travel expenses but accommodation and internal costs in China will be met by the Liaoning government.