With negotiations officially concluded on the NZ-EU Free trade agreement, there are significant new economic opportunities for NZ businesses within the 28-country block.

The EU is New Zealand’s third largest trading partner, and bilateral trade is expected to grow by 30% from the first year, and a massive 80% growth is predicted for EU foreign direct investment into New Zealand.

Hutt Valley Chamber Of Commerce and the German New Zealand Chambers Of Commerce have collaborated to bring you an update from MFAT and NZTE on how they can support you to optimise your reach into these markets.

Hear about the accessibility and benefits that the Fair Trade Agreement brings to NZ Businesses from Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic, MFAT who led the conclusion of negotiations for the New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement

Learn how to connect to these markets and what support is available from NZTE.

Nina Obermaier, the European Union Ambassador to Aotearoa New Zealand along with Representatives from France, Germany, and Spain (plus more to follow) will also provide short country pitches highlighting the opportunities within their respective countries.

A lite breakfast will be served.

SPEAKERS

Vangelis Vitalis is Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic.

He was the APEC2021(external link) Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Chair for New Zealand’s host year and in 2023 Vangelis will be chairing the Senior Officials' process that supports the CPTPP Ministerial meetings.

Vangelis was also the Chief Negotiator who led the conclusion of negotiations for the New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement and before that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Nina Obermaier, European Union Ambassador to Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Nina has spent twenty years working for the European Union, covering Israel and the West Bank/Gaza, information society and e-government, protection and crisis management, and negotiations with Switzerland.

Nina came to New Zealand to learn how Europe is seen from a distance, to immerse herself in a region of growing global importance, and to understand the specific identity of Aotearoa as a country of the Pacific with a significant indigenous population.

The European Union and New Zealand opened negotiations for a free trade agreement in 2018. There is now a deal that is high quality and comprehensive and fit for the future.

Ann Clifford, Customer Director - Food, Beverage & Consumer Goods (Central North Island)

Ann leads the team working with food, beverages and consumer goods companies in the Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu, Wairarapa, and Wellington.

Previously been trade commissioner to Italy and Turkey, based in Milan; and communications director for NZTE, managing global media relations, corporate and internal communications.

Prior to joining NZTE, Ann worked in communications and marketing (running her own consultancy for a number of years) and in publishing (as an editor and publisher). She studied at Victoria University of Wellington, graduating with a degree in English and Italian, and has lived and worked in the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, and the US.

Featuring Representatives From: 
Germany, France, Spain, Poland plus more to follow

WHEN: Tuesday 28th March  07.45am - 09.30am 

WHERE  Hutt Valley Chamber Of Commerce, 15 Daly Street, Lower Hutt 

COST FREE