Prime Minister John Key has praised the New Zealand Islamic community, saying that Muslims in the country are hard-working and peace-loving people.
Speaking at the Eid Al Fitr celebrations held at the Grand Hall of Parliament in Wellington on August 21, 2012, he said that Muslims have been proud residents of New Zealand since the late 1800s.
“We acknowledge and respect your contributions to the progress and development of the economy over the years. I am happy to see Muslims living and working together with other communities to make New Zealand a great nation,” he said.
Extoling the role of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), Mr Key said that the organisation has been actively and positively engaged with the Government, government agencies, the industry and businesses since its establishment.
“FIANZ has been of great assistance in enhancing our trade and bilateral relations with many countries. It has connected New Zealand to the rest of the Western world,” he said.
FIANZ President Dr Anwar Ghani said that Muslims in New Zealand continue to make significant contribution to the overall economy of the country and add colour to our national diversity.
“Our Halal trade has grown from strength to strength, from just a few million dollars in the early 1980s to about $2.5 billion in 2011. We are surrounded by nearly a billion Muslims in the Asia Pacific region, whose spending power is improving, with growing appetite for our products and services,” he said.
Dr Ghani said that the Muslim Diaspora in New Zealand represented more than 1% of the population, coming from 60 different ethnicities.
“We can use our rich diversity to assist directly in growing our country’s business with the Muslim markets more effectively,” he said.
Investment Banking
Mr Ghani encouraged the Government to invite Islamic Banks to increase investment in the New Zealand economy and improve trade.
“As the national umbrella organisation of Muslims, FIANZ’s excellent and long standing relationship with Muslim countries in South East Asia and the Middle East can be used to develop and enhance trade and cultural relationship with these countries,” he said.
Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins, who hosted the celebrations through the Office of Ethnic Affairs, said that for members of the Muslim community, Eid Al Fit was about celebrating the special meaning of Islam in their lives.
“For the wider New Zealand society, it is about acknowledging the valuable way that Muslims continue to contribute to New Zealand’s religious, cultural and ethnic landscape,” she said.
