8. RON MARK (NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister for Economic Development
What recent announcements have been made regarding an increase of funding to the Market Development Assistance scheme?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
The Prime Minister has made an announcement of a $33.75 million funding boost to mark the launch of Export Year 2007. The boost in funding means that New Zealand exporters will receive support to break into offshore markets. This Government knows that increasing our export capacity is at the heart of transforming our economy. That is why overall funding for the Market Development Assistance scheme has gone from nothing to $5.8 million in 2005-06, and to $33.75 million now.
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
The list is very long, and the Leader of the House will not let me say it all, but as well as the $33.75 million increase there will be an expansion of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s Path to Market pilot programme, which supports new exporters into Australia. A very successful conference of chief executive officers and founders of more than 50 of our largest exporters was held last Friday to brainstorm what the sector can do going forward. Resources will be made available for primary and secondary schools, as well as for tertiary courses, to help lift aspirations in this area.
What has been the public response to this New Zealand First initiative and, specifically, to the launch of Export Year?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
I have received a number of positive responses relating, in particular, to the high popularity of the Market Development Assistance scheme and the Government’s response to the proposals of New Zealand First and Government Ministers. One of these positive responses came from the Employers and Manufacturers Association. The Market Development Assistance scheme was heavily oversubscribed. It has not been able to keep up with demand, so it is pleasing to see a Government moving to put this right. There was, however, one wally in Christchurch who had a different view.