New Zealand: State of the Economy, Building a Sustainable Future Together
On August 13, 2024, ANZCHAM hosted a zestful Monthly Members Meeting that prioritized 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆. The event explored ways to build a sustainable future together and featured the introduction of H.E. Dr Catherine McIntosh, Ambassador of New Zealand to the Philippines, and Cecilia Shand, New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner to Indonesia and the Philippines. The rich discussion was ingeniously moderated by Boyet Santiago, ANZCHAM Board Director and ANZ Country Head.
As a prelude to the main event, Angeli Amante from Convido Corporate Housing, a co-presenter for this MMM, outlined her company’s mission and goals. Following this, Mel Domingo from WorkQC+, our event partner, shared insights into their organization. Additionally, the chamber took the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate Coversure NZ led by Jason Venu for their invaluable support and significant contributions as an event partner, whose efforts were crucial in making this MMM a success. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners for their dedication and support in bringing this event to fruition.
H.E. Dr. Catherine McIntosh then took the floor to offer her perspectives on the evolving relationship between New Zealand and the Philippines. Following her address, Cecilia took the stage to explore Filipino traditions, highlighting that New Zealand’s greatest contribution to the world is its exceptional talent.
The discussion underscored key avenues for New Zealand-Philippine cooperation, particularly in mining, business process outsourcing, and New Zealand’s geothermal expertise. Opportunities for New Zealand businesses to penetrate the Philippine market were explored, alongside the pivotal role of education and cultural exchange in bolstering the partnership, especially in renewable energy and defense. New Zealand’s dedication to sustainability was emphasized, including initiatives to mitigate the environmental footprint of dairy farming and encourage sustainable practices. The meeting highlighted the substantial contribution of Philippine SMEs and recommended increased New Zealand engagement in this sector. Furthermore, the conversation touched on upcoming events and New Zealand’s investment roadmap for Southeast Asia, demonstrating a commitment to regional business growth.
The meeting culminated in a dynamic networking session, fostering new connections and strengthening existing relationships as attendees exchanged ideas and contact information.
