Japanese business chances for the Bay

There are 50 Japanese business people arriving in Tauranga on Wednesday morning for the first Bay of Plenty held Japan New Zealand Business Council Conference.

Export NZ Bay of Plenty executive officer Angela Wallace says hosting the event for the first time in the organisation’s 37 years is of great value.

“There will be a high calibre of visitors both Japanese and from nation wide the likes which will not be replicated in the Bay of Plenty for some time.

“So if you see a Japanese visitor, say ‘hello’ or even better ‘konnichiwa’.”

Angela says it is the first time the council has come to the Bay of Plenty and it is a fantastic opportunity.

“It’s a great opportunity to promote Tauranga to very high profile Japanese business people, including people from the tourism industry.”

The three day visit in the Bay of Plenty includes an industry tour to the Port of Tauranga, Comvita, and Zespri.

The visitors will receive a gift package of local goods, says Angela.

“The package will include Grove Avocado oil, Te Waihou Water, Manu Wine from the Steve Bird Winery, Mata Beer Manuka Ale, Distillerie Deinlein 8th Tribe liquors, Steens Honey, and Zespri kiwifruit.”

Angela says Tauranga’s success from their sister city relationship is behind the Bay of Plenty getting to present at the council.

The sister cities relationships will be on the agenda for the first time during the visit.

Tauranga and Export NZ Bay of Plenty won first place in the Business or Commercial Project Category at the Air New Zealand National Sister City Awards in April this year.

They won for their project, which promoted 14 Bay of Plenty companies, products to the Hitachi Industrial Fair in 2009.

“Tauranga City Council structures their sister city differently and supports Export NZ to stimulate economic activity between these cities.”

Tauranga established a relationship with sister city Hitachi in Japan 22 years ago.

Angela says most cities stick to a cultural and friendly relationship with their sister city where Tauranga has looked at economic opportunities.

“People are travelling from around the country to attend. It’s a great opportunity to have on our doorstep.”