9. MARYAN STREET (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Economic Development
What steps is the Government taking to support New Zealand exporters to expand into new markets?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
Lots and lots of steps, including the extension of the very successful Beachheads programme into South-east Asia and India. Budget 2007 invests $4.4 million over 4 years to give our exporters access to strategic advice and executive networks in those new Asian markets.
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
I have received one report stating that there will be an $87.8 million boost to the Market Development Assistance scheme to enable New Zealand firms to export into new markets, including Asia. I saw an alternative report that stated that all New Zealand Trade and Enterprise business development grants would be axed. The first, excellent report was from the Labour-led Government’s 2007 Budget, which was delivered by the Hon Dr Michael Cullen, and the second report was from John Key.
Chris TremainCan the Minister please explain how the steps he is now taking will address the current and real problems faced by export businesses such as Design Spun Ltd in Onekawa, Napier, which has been forced to lay off 25 export workers because the Government sends important decisions on monetary policy to select committees and continues to overwhelm businesses with compliance costs?
Hon Brian Donnelly Link to this
How does the appropriation of an extra $87.8 million for the export Market Development Assistance scheme over 4 years complement Export Year 2007, which was secured by New Zealand First as part of its confidence and supply agreement?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
It extends the very good work that was agreed as part of Export Year 2007—the Market Development assistance scheme extension, which was developed by this Government but fitted very well with Export Year 2007. It extends it out into the baselines, so that under a Labour-led Government—clearly, supported on an ongoing basis by New Zealand First—it will be there for ever.