Call to tap into untapped potential

The EPIC NZ 2013 conference in Wellington this week aims to build connections between New Zealand’s ethnic and mainstream small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to better harness potential trade and business opportunities. 

The Director of the Office of Ethnic Affairs Mervin Singham said the conference, on 13 June, is aimed at helping New Zealand businesses tap into the international networks and expertise of migrant business people in New Zealand. 

“We want to see stronger connections between ethnic and mainstream SMEs in New Zealand. These connections open the door to a world of potential markets and investment, creating economic and trade opportunities for New Zealand,” Mr Singham says.

“There is a huge untapped potential here”, says Mr Singham. 

“New Zealand’s diverse ethnic population offers a wealth of skills, experience and global links. We have a wide range of ethnic people in New Zealand who have an in-depth first-hand understanding of the markets and the way businesses operate in their countries of origin. More importantly, they may also have the connections that can help New Zealand businesses gain that all-important foothold when they are pursuing new markets overseas.” 

The conference will offer insights into how ethnic people in commerce have overcome barriers to succeed in New Zealand. It will also offer valuable tips from some of the most successful Kiwi entrepreneurs who have grown their business by trading overseas. 

About 120 participants from mainstream and ethnic SMEs have registered for the conference, which is being held in Wellington for the first time. The conference has been organised with the support of the China and NZ Business Council.

 

1pm – 4pm 13 June

Vodafone Centre, Te Papa, Wellington

1.10pm            Opening Address Hon Judith Collins Minister for Ethnic Affairs

1.20 pm           Mervin Singham, Director, Office of Ethnic Affairs

1.30pm            Mai Chen, Managing Partner, Chen Palmer Law Specialists

1.45pm            Mitchell Pham, Managing Director, Augen Software

2.00pm            Plenary discussion and workshops