ExportNZ has welcomed the Government’s announcement of its phased plan to reconnect New Zealand with the world.
A statement from the organisation says the Prime Minister’s announcement of the end of MIQ for all vaccinated travellers, along with a timeline of key dates during 2022 when different groups of travellers would be able to come to New Zealand, is something ExportNZ and the BusinessNZ Network have been calling for.
BusinessNZ Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says that while commodity exports have done remarkably well during challenging times, “New Zealand’s manufacturing and tech exporters have been doing it increasingly tough due to the inability to travel freely”.
“They’ve navigated global logistics disruptions and price increases, and exporters will now finally be able to plan business travel with confidence. I know they will be keen to reconnect with old customers and forge connections with new ones.”
Beard also welcomed the Prime Minister’s intention to lead trade delegations to some of our most important markets.
“Like the Prime Minister said, New Zealand is in demand. By leading trade delegations to Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States, the Prime Minister has demonstrated the importance trade will have in our economic recovery as we all look to find our footing in a post-Covid environment.”
Beard says while announcement is a great step forward, international airlines will be seeking clarity as to when travellers can expect to arrive without needing to self-isolate.
“That’s when I expect you’ll see passenger volumes increase and air cargo become more affordable again.”
