More Help to Get Exporting

A couple of recent announcements from the government are positive news for those growing their export markets, or those considering how to start.

Well covered in the press was the Free Trade Agreement signed with Hong Kong last week by John Key. This FTA joins a growing list and puts New Zealand exporters in a much better position to be competitive in (mostly Asian) markets and build on our other strengths that we can bring to the table, such as quality, good hygiene standards, design, honesty, etc. Perhaps even more important is the noise that the US is making that they will join the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is likely to be a forerunner of an FTA with the US.....we hope.

Another announcement that has received less press coverage is of an increase of $200million in trade guarantee facilities being provided to exporters to help them comply with trade bond and credit guarantee requirements. "The extension of three trade credit guarantee and bond products will help exporters grow their business and keep New Zealanders in jobs as we emerge from the recession," Mr English said.

"This Government has made it clear that one of the best ways to ensure New Zealand grows strongly out of the recession is to increase exports and investment. Ensuring our exporters have the credit flows to maximise the opportunities that flow out of recent trade developments is crucial."

Fair access to markets and security of payment are two areas that need to be considered and strategies built around when planning export marketing. There are lots of other (labeling, overseas legislation, insurance, shipping, distribution, etc, etc) but this should not put you off seriously considering export as a growth strategy for your company.

The country sure needs more people exporting and if you can make it work with the current exchange rate, the chances of significantly improved profits as the NZ dollar eases back, which it will do at some stage, will make the hard yards of developing new markets well worth while.

Get into it!

For help with these elements and all the other things you need to think about when considering a move into exports, contact the author: Andy Burrows at iconnorthshore@gmail.com or phone 09 912 1901