With the uncertainty of the election behind us, New Zealand businesses can now begin to make solid plans. There are plenty of opportunities unfolding around the country for exporters to tap into, including the announcement of a new summer service to and from the South Island by China Airlines. As well as bringing more tourists into the region, the flights will provide a substantial export capacity to Taiwan, Sydney and on to Asia.

Don't forget, one of the most positive things you can do is tell the new government exactly what your biggest opportunities and greatest barriers are via our Export Survey. The survey will close in the next few days so click here now to have your say.

Catherine Beard
027 463 3212 or cbeard@exportnz.org.nz

This month's trade update delves into the ongoing delays in TPP talks, as well as updates on FTA talks with Korea, India and the Gulf Cooperation Council. More...

A new Protocol to amend the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) has been signed at a meeting in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The changes will make AANZFTA more business-friendly, transparent and flexible. More...

China Airlines will soon be providing a summer service between Taiwan and the South Island - and in turn, providing an opportunity to uplift and export more than 850 tonnes of cargo to new markets. The team at Airlines and Alliances will be hosting a seminar on  Wednesday 29th October to promote the new service and the opportunities it will make available. More...

Richiwi founder, Kefeng Chu has some interesting insights to offer on the similarities between Maori and Chinese culture, and how to use these to build strong business relationships. More...

A new online platform has just been launched to connect NZ exporters with the information, advice and contacts you need to succeed in the United States. You'll get access to resources such as export ready checklists, trusted service providers and up-to-date market intelligence. ExportNZ members also get a 50% discount - use the coupon code USLINK5 when you enter your details. Click here to find out more and register.

The first venture capital fund supported by a partnership between the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund and its Taiwan counterpart has reached its US$75 million first close target, and is targeting a final close of over US$100 million. The milestone means NZVIF can start considering opportunities and making investments, with at least US$35 million to be invested in New Zealand-originating technology companies. More...

If you're thinking about taking on an apprentice, now is the time to do it. New apprentices/trainees who sign up for training before 31 December 2014 are able to apply for $1000 towards the cost of tools and off job course costs, or $2000 for those training in priority trades areas. Employers are eligible for an equal payment. Click here to find out more.

A summary of NZ's merchandise trade statistics for year ending June 2014 shows the phenomenal growth in dairy (52%) and log exports (37%) but a harder time for high tech manufacturing exporters, whose export value reduced by 4.8%. No doubt the high tech manufacturing exporters were hit by the much higher NZ dollar, particularly as the kiwi rose against the Aussie dollar. Having said that the volume of high-tech exports as a percentage of the total stayed roughly the same at 17%, so hopefully any sustained drop in the dollar will bode very well for these exporters. If we add to that the fact that manufacturers have been busy investing in new plant and capital equipment (up 9% on an annual basis) then the future could be much more profitable and these exporters could be very resilient going forward. More...

There are some great opportunities for improving your business through learnings at seminars, workshops and events. To see what's coming up, go to the ExportNZ home page and scroll down to see what's happening around the country – including the Food and Beverage Roadshow and NZTE's China Business Training.

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