The collapse of the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Beachheads advisory board in China last week has not damaged New Zealand's reputation in that country, acting Economic Development Minister David Carter said in parliament this afternoon.
Mr Carter said the advisory board resigned en masse last week due to a difference of opinion.
“It was agreed the best way forward was to start with a clean slate,” he said.
The Beachhead programme dealt with 12 companies, while NZTE deals with more than 180, Mr Carter said.
China is New Zealand's second largest trading partner, he said, with a 140% increase in trade during the three years since a free trade agreement was signed between the two companies.
“The figures speak for themselves.”
Colin Williscroft
Tue, 05 Jul 2011
Tue, 05 Jul 2011
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China walkout hasn't damaged NZ's reputation - Carter
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