June 20, 2016
Maori businesses seek Asia trade
Maori tourism, forestry, seafood and food and beverage companies have joined Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell for a six-day culture and trade mission to South Korea and Japan.
Mr Flavell says it’s New Zealand’s first trade mission to South Korea since a free trade agreement between the two countries started last December.
He says trade missions play a big part in unlocking foreign markets, and the latest effort will help further grow the $42 million Maori economy.
South Korea and Japan offer large markets with sophisticated consumers who want the sort of products Maori excel at delivering, including high-value seafood, honey and bee products, and tourism opportunities.
The group will connect with government and business leaders in Seoul, Tokyo and Hokkaido, where the mission will conclude with a cultural exchange between Maori and the indigenous Ainu people in Hokkaido.
Kapiti Island Nature Tours, New Zealand Maori Tourism and Te Puia represent the tourism sector, Maori Investments Limited, Te Tumu Paeroa and Opepe Farm Trust fly the flag for forestry, HoneyLab, New Zealand Manuka Group, Te Pa Family Vineyards, Te Awanui Huka Pak and Zespri International will promote food, beverage and cosmetics, while Okains Bay Seafood Limited, Ngai Tahu Seafood and Kahungunu Asset Holding Company will look for bites in the fisheries area.
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