Thursday, 17 May 2012 16:37

The middle has its place

Written by Rural News Group

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

NEW ZEALAND'S middle-of-the-road 'space' in export markets has a potential three billion people, Trade Minister Tim Groser says.

"Our space in the market has not been always at the absolute top end. That's for Louis Vuitton and companies like that," he said at the recent opening of dairy-based manufacturing and marketing company New Image Group's new $10 million plant at Penrose, Auckland.

"It certainly isn't at the low end – it's that middle... [where] we do well, whether it is tourism, education or food and beverages. That's New Zealand's space and it's a very good space to be in.

"We now have through the extraordinary economic development occurring in emerging Asia, a middle class that is our market and it did not really exist in a meaningful way until recently.

"It is now about 500 million and all the projections tell us that as soon as 2030... that's going to be 3 billion people.

"That is our market; China is the single most important part of that. I am also very conscious of other great countries like India, Indonesia, Philippines – all of these other countries have a great future ahead of them."

Groser jointly opened the new plant with New Image executive chairman Graeme Clegg.

Among new capabilities of New Image's Penrose plant is HPP technology used to manufacture its new health drink called Col + colostrums to add to the company's range of colostrum-based health products

More like this

Trade experts warn of US tariff risks to NZ exports

Two leading New Zealand trade experts warn that the 15% tariff slapped by the US shouldn't be taken lightly.

FTA good for Aussies and for us – Groser

ANYTHING GOOD for Australia is in the long run good for New Zealand. That’s the reaction of Trade Minister Tim Groser to the news that Australia has signed a free trade agreement with China, and to speculation that their FTA with China is better than NZ’s, especially regarding dairy products.

It is what it is!

Former Trade Minister and trade negotiator Tim Groser says the outcome of the recent FTA with the EU is an obvious disappointment for NZ's red meat and dairy sectors.

Food production recognised in climate change agreement

The Paris agreement on climate change prioritises food security and food production, recognising the dual challenges of controlling global temperatures and feeding a growing population, says Federated Farmers.

‘Spectacular’ rise in exports to China Taipei

Dairy, kiwifruit, apples, cherries and wine are among winners in the "spectacular" growth in exports to Chinese Taipei in the last two years, says Trade Minister Tim Groser.

Featured

Fonterra’s $3.2b capital return to farmers set to boost rural incomes and NZ economy

According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.

$2b boost in NZ exports to EU

New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

US tariffs hit European ag machinery markets

The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.

Tributes paid to Jim Bolger

Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.