Tongan small businesses in New Zealand on international trade program [1]
Friday, March 24, 2017 - 16:32. Updated on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 - 17:39.
Five Tongan small businesses will look for opportunities in international trade as part of a trade and invest programme over the next four days, which includes showing off their products at the Pasifika Festival this weekend, 25 – 26 March in Auckland, New Zealand.
The Pacific Islands Trade and Invest (PT&I) Pacific Path to Market programme will help business delegates explore opportunities beyond their domestic market for the first time.
Other small businesses from Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa will also take part.
Delegates will attend a gap analysis workshop, business to business meetings as well as the Pasifika Festival to learn more about exporting and the New Zealand and Pacific Islands markets.
PT & I Trade Commissioner Michael Greenslade said it is really important to focus on pan-Pacific trade in addition to trade into New Zealand.
“We will use this opportunity to engage with the representatives of the Economic Development Agencies to help create opportunities for increased trade between the islands themselves.”
Tonga’s small business delegation includes Ha’amo Fresh, Kenani Estate Co Ltd, South Pacific Mozuku, Tonga National Youth Congress, and Puatalefusi Villa who will promote their fresh produce, skin care, smoked seafood and virgin coconut oil while in New Zealand.
The program starts today with an official welcome at the Te Mahurehure Marae in Point Chevalier where delegates will have an opportunity to meet with media, go on a site visit and attend a stallholder’s meeting with organisers.
Following the Pasifika Festival, delegates will also attend a gap analysis workshop briefing on the New Zealand market and distribution channels on Monday. On Tuesday, delegates will visit a range of Auckland businesses, attend a business to business session and finish with a trade mission debriefing.