Sydney leadership forum marks 30 years of CER
The 9th Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum meeting in Sydney on 27 November takes place as both countries celebrate 30 years of Closer Economic Relations (CER) and seek to take advantage of new opportunities in Asia, say the Forum Co-Chairs.
“CER reminds us of the importance of both countries to each other,” said New Zealand Co-Chair Jonathan Ling, former CEO of Fletcher Building.
“This year’s Forum meets as a new Government takes office in Australia. This is a great opportunity to meet new Australian Ministers and discuss how business can play its part in building recovery and growth in the Asia Pacific region.”
“Australia and New Zealand are stronger when they work together,” said Australian Co-Chair, Rod McGeoch AM, the well-known company director and architect of Sydney’s Olympic bid.
“CER has been an outstanding success for us both but there is much more to be achieved in the region beyond. The broader context for our discussions is captured well by the Forum theme “CER to Asia – Australia and New Zealand; the next thirty years.”
The Leadership Forum will again bring together leaders from government, business and the community to exchange views and ideas on significant political and economic issues in the relationship.
The Forum’s organisation is in the hands of the Trans-Tasman Business Circle (TTBC). BusinessNZ supports the Forum by providing the Forum’s New Zealand-based Executive Secretariat which is funded by business and the New Zealand Government.
“Since the last Forum a small group has focused on a number of key issues which will be further discussed at this year’s Forum,” said BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly.
“These include influencing the outcome of the Joint Productivity Commissions’ (JPC) inquiry into strengthening the trans-Tasman economic relationship, completing an independent economic study of the benefits and costs of mutual recognition of imputation credits and finding ways to enhance both countries’ engagement with Asia.”
The Leadership Forum will be addressed by the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Bill English and the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Julie Bishop MP and other senior Ministers. The Forum will be attended by over 100 delegates from both countries.
For further information: Phil O’Reilly 04 4966552 or Stephanie Moakes 021 959 831
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