The progress report ‘Building Export Markets’ shows the significant work being done by businesses and the Government to grow New Zealand’s international competitiveness.
The Report is a reminder of how much has been achieved over the last four years, including exports to China growing 160% and the value of overall exports growing more than 4% a year, despite the global financial crisis.
The report also sets the very aggressive goal of increasing exports as a proportion of GDP from 30% to 40% by 2025.
Of course, there is not a linear connection between setting a goal and achieving it, but it is clear that the Government is working on a range of policy actions to help get more New Zealand businesses operating internationally.
This includes improving access to international markets, promoting high-value manufacturing and other important exports, and helping promote ‘Brand New Zealand’.
Having a bold goal helps us focus our sights.
Business will be supportive of this clear direction.
There is overwhelming support in the business community for an aggressive focus on growing exports.
The actions of business and the Government over the next five years will be critical for achieving this goal.
Phil O’Reilly is Chief Executive of BusinessNZ based in Wellington. He was the Guest Speaker at the Indian Newslink Sir Anand Satyanand Lecture held at Stamford Plaza Hotel on July 30, 2012
