• POLICIES FOR PROGRESS TRADE & INVESTMENT
• GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO WORK MORE CLOSELY
• NORTH AMERICAN CAMPAIGN
• NEW ZEALAND INC
• OVERSEAS STUDENTS
• TRADE LIBERALISATION

The package is part of the Government's Policies for Progress programme and contains five immediate initiatives to contribute to the Government's goals of enhancing New Zealand's competitiveness and improve living standards

"New Zealand's small domestic market means that, more than most countries, our job growth depends on successful trading with the world," Dr Smith said today.

"And we all win from job-creating investment from overseas.

"New Zealand markets itself at every opportunity and these initiatives will add to our efforts."

The package includes:

• the development of a "New Zealand Inc" prospectus and an investor visits programme to help attract new businesses and investment to New Zealand
• a funding boost to efforts to promote New Zealand education services in priority markets, and an extension to the quota for Chinese students
• fast-tracking the Trade NZ>-led direct mail and website promotion in North America
• extra funds for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to research key market access issues, address quarantine issues in emerging New Zealand markets and help Least Developed Countries with which New Zealand trades meet WTO rules
• better coordination of Government agencies in priority markets such as South America and China

Today's package follows the announcement on 7 October of a study into the Government's Kiwi Innovation initiative.

ENDS