With just three weeks to go, anticipation is building for the inaugural Ethnic Xchange Symposium, set to take place on 11 October 2024 in Auckland.
Organised by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, this landmark event will serve as a platform to boost innovation, trade, and investment across New Zealand’s increasingly diverse economic landscape.
Empowering New Zealand’s diverse economy
Ethnic Xchange aims to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. It has a single focus of boosting New Zealand’s economy by leveraging our population diversity.
The event offers a unique forum for fostering meaningful connections, sharing breakthrough ideas, and unlocking new pathways for growth in New Zealand’s economy.
Mervin Singham, Chief Executive of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, emphasised the far-reaching impact of the event.
Mervin Singham, Chief Executive Ministry for Ethnic Communities
"Ethnic Xchange is more than just a one-day event; it’s the start of something bigger—an opportunity to create a ripple effect that boosts innovation, trade, and investment in New Zealand’s economy, with the invaluable contribution of our high-value ethnic businesses.
“It’s a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity within these businesses, and it brings together key players under one roof—from government ministers to multinational corporations, banks, and ethnic entrepreneurs.
“This is a rare opportunity to have a strategic, interactive dialogue that breaks down silos and advances collaboration across government, businesses, and organisations," says Singham.
What data is telling us
A report by the Waitakere Ethnic Board (2021) revealed that ethnic communities contributed a significant $64 billion to New Zealand’s GDP, underscoring their economic impact. But more can be done to increase this contribution.
In 2022, an Asian Business in Australia Research Report highlighted the emergence of a new wave of Asian-Australian entrepreneurs leading transnational collaborations in manufacturing, digitalisation, and e-commerce.
The Australian survey findings show that fostering stronger engagement with these Asian-Australian business communities could be pivotal for Australian businesses seeking to expand into Asia.
In New Zealand, the growing influence of Asian diaspora business communities presents a valuable opportunity to do the same. From franchise operations to second and third-generation professionals, these communities offer critical insights that support New Zealand’s economic expansion and international partnerships. We should benchmark and leverage these networks for expansion and collaboration.
These findings highlight the central role Asian businesses play, particularly because of their deep knowledge of Asian markets. They are uniquely positioned to innovate and drive trade and investment growth in China, India, ASEAN countries, and beyond.
Inspiring industry leaders and change-makers
The event will feature an exceptional line-up of speakers.
Will Zhang, Co-founder EmoEX
Will Zhang, co-founder of the trailblazing tech company EmoEX, will highlight how diversity fuels innovation in business.
"I’m delighted to be one of the speakers in this unique initiative that shines a spotlight on the untapped potential of ethnic businesses in New Zealand, especially in the tech and AI areas. Ethnic Xchange is not just about how to grow businesses—it’s shaping the future of New Zealand’s economy,” says Zhang.
Bineeta Nand, Partner KPMG
KPMG Partner Bineeta Nand, the event’s co-MC and a well-known advocate for ethnic representation and inclusion within the corporate world, says it takes a difference to make a difference.
“It takes people with unique experiences and perspectives to truly make an impact and change the world. I’m honoured to be part of an event that celebrates the contributions of ethnic businesses to New Zealand’s economy. Ethnic Xchange is a bold step towards creating a more inclusive and resilient economy where everyone can thrive and grow,” says Nand.
Unlocking new pathways for growth
Ethnic Xchange provides opportunities for business leaders throughout New Zealand to better understand how ethnic businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators can help their businesses diversify and expand into overseas markets.
As excitement builds, the symposium is quickly becoming a must-attend event for those eager to shape the future of New Zealand’s economic ecosystem.
To register or for more information, please visit www.ethnicxchange.org.nz.
The Ethnic Xchange Symposium is proudly sponsored by BNZ, KPMG, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland Business Chamber and the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment.