May 19, 2023
Māori trade delegation to SEA
A Māori trade delegation has left to explore new opportunities in South East Asia.
The delegation of emerging food and beverage business leaders will visit Singapore and Thailand on a trip organised by the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono, with support from the trade advocacy group Te Taumata.
Te Taumata chair Chris Karamea Insley says Maori are keen to take the lead.
“Historically we have kind of been a bit of an afterthought in planning these trade missions. Now as all the barriers are coming down moving out of Covid, the world is opening up, here we go, a Maori-led trade mission off to South East Asia. It’s such a good moment for us all,” he says.
Chris Karamea Insley says South East Asia mission will be followed by one to the United Kingdom to take advantage of the free trade agreement coming into force at the end of the month, and there are also Maori technology missions planned for China, Israel and Europe.