March 20, 2014
Sharples leads trade trip to Malaysia
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples has headed for Malaysia to head a trade delegation as part of New Zealand week 2014.
Malaysia is New Zealand’s eighth largest trading partner, and the 30 representatives on the delegation span a range of industries including food and beverage, tourism, and education.
Dr Sharples says the theme of this year’s New Zealand week in Malaysia is Lima Mata Ikan, or, Rima Mata Ika, which is about exploring and expanding on the cultural and ancestral linkages between Maori, Polynesian and the indigenous peoples of Malaysia.
He says while the disappearance of Air Malaysia flight 370 will overshadow the trip, the delegation will carry the thoughts and prayers of New Zealanders to the people of Malaysia.
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