Ethnic Xchange: Boosting innovation, trade and investment

Our Ethnic Xchange business symposium explored how the private and public sectors can work in partnership to unlock the potential of high-value ethnic businesses for the benefit of New Zealand.

About the symposium

A photo of a conference room with hundreds of people seated around tables, looking to the stage where a person is speaking

The inaugural Ethnic Xchange business symposium was dedicated to unlocking the full potential of ethnic businesses for the benefit of New Zealand. Discussions focused on trade, investment and innovation, including how ethnic businesses can support New Zealand’s trading aspirations. This includes their expertise in navigating offshore markets and international business environments.

More than 300 speakers and participants from a diverse range of backgrounds came together for the Ministry's flagship event at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland on 11 October, 2024. The symposium showcased the economic benefits that Ethnic Communities bring to New Zealand and explored the practical steps that are needed to remove some of the barriers they experience. Ethnic Xchange featured multiple networking opportunities for participants to connect with trade and investment partners, entrepreneurs, experts and government.

Read the Ethnic Xchange 24: Key Insights and Pathways to Action report (PDF, 3MB)

Find out more about the symposium in our news item: Ethnic Xchange: The start of something special

Listen to RNZ Saturday Morning's interview with Mervin Singham, our Chief Executive

Read RNZ's story: Inaugural summit harnesses ethnic business potential

Read RNZ's story: The lesson New Zealand exporters can learn from ethnic businesses

 

Video interviews: Ethnic Xchange speakers

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 highlight video

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 reflections: Hon Melissa Lee

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 reflections: Hon David Seymour

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 reflections: Hon Nicola Willis

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 reflections: Hon Judith Collins

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 reflections: Mervin Singham

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 reflections: Ranjna Patel

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 reflections: Carolyn Tremain

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 reflections: Peter Chrisp

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 reflections: Natalie de Boursac

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 reflections: Franky Wang

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 reflections: Matt Prichard

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 reflections: Priti Ambani

  • Ethnic Xchange 24 reflections: Her Excellency Ms. Mazita Marzuki

Speakers

Photo of three people sitting on chairs on a stage, smiling.Speakers included Government Ministers and officials, business leaders, high commissioners, industry experts, innovators, investors and entrepreneurs. Conversations focused on how to boost New Zealand’s economy through innovation, trade and investment.

Speakers shared their experiences, tips and advice and provided insights about public and private partnerships, using AI and how to expand into new markets, among other topics.

See the full line up of speakers

Programme

The Ethnic Xchange 24 programme featured four panel sessions, two breakout sessions, opening and closing karakia and speeches, and multiple networking opportunities. With a total of 26 speakers, the symposium was a lively and engaging event from the start to the end.

The sessions covered topics including how to create more prosperity for New Zealand, how to grow the country's economy through offshore opportunities, how to boost trade, expansion in local and global markets and AI.

See the full programme (PDF 1.6MB)

Many thanks to our valued sponsors and partners for supporting Ethnic Xchange.

Our sponsors included Bank of New Zealand, KPMG New Zealand, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ministry for Women and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

Our partners included New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Auckland Business Chamber, ASEAN New Zealand Business Council, The ICE Base, BusinessNZ, and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

Video transcripts

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