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Welcome from the New Zealand Consul General
I appreciate the opportunity to provide a foreword to the website of the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
Economic Outlook
The past year has seen a revival in economic conditions in Hong Kong. Beginning in the third quarter of 2003, Hong Kong’s economy began an upward trend. Very strong growth in the Mainland, combined with an upturn in the wider Asian region and in the US, has been the driving force for Hong Kong. However I would note that two structural problems – the size of the fiscal deficit and the relatively high rate of unemployment – remain a challenge for the HKSAR.
For New Zealand, too, the last twelve months have been characterised by positive economic indicators. In the year to March 2004 New Zealand’s GDP growth was 3.6 %, unemployment remained at historically low levels of just over 4%, property prices continued an upward path, inflation remained below 2% and the fiscal surplus was equal to nearly 4.3 % of GDP (NZ$6 billion). Although the current account deficit was steady at 4.2% of GDP, the impact of improved commodity prices is beginning to be felt and recent statistics show a return to a positive trade balance. The outlook for the New Zealand economy is sound with continued moderate growth over the coming year, largely deriving from the impetus engendered by the export sector.
Trade, Tourism and Investment
Bilateral trade between Hong Kong and New Zealand remains at reasonably high levels. Over the past year (to April 2004), exports from New Zealand to Hong Kong were valued at NZ$531 million. However in recent years there has been a gradual decline in the value of New Zealand’s exports to Hong Kong. This can be related to two factors: first, the relatively high value of the New Zealand dollar (in comparison to the US and Hong Kong dollars) which has had the effect of making New Zealand products more expensive in Hong Kong and, second, a trend to export goods and services direct from New Zealand to the Mainland, rather than through Hong Kong.
I would emphasise however that Hong Kong continues to be an important economic partner for New Zealand, both as a consumer of New Zealand products and as an entrepot for New Zealand goods to the Mainland. Hong Kong is currently New Zealand’s 9th largest export market and over many years has been an important source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Tourist flows registered an increase in 2003/04 with visitor arrivals from Hong Kong reaching 28,000 (an increase of 5.4% over the comparable period in 2002/03). There is little doubt that the Lord of the Rings trilogy has increased interest in New Zealand as a travel destination.
Role of the Consulate
It may be helpful if I were to outline the main functions of the Consulate and how we can be of assistance to members of the Chamber.
Our primary role is the provision of consular services to New Zealanders in Hong Kong and in the region, including passport advice and the authentification of documents. However as from 1 April 2004 the Consulate no longer issues new passports, except in emergency situations such as when a passport is lost or stolen (these emergency passports will only have a validity of one year). Now all passport applications, whether to replace an existing one or for the first time, are processed by the Department of Internal Affairs. Application forms and further advice can be obtained from the Consulate or from the following website: www.passports.govt.nz
More broadly the Consulate acts in a very similar way to an Embassy in any other country where New Zealand is represented in that we are responsible for all government-to-government business between the Hong Kong SAR and New Zealand. This can take many different forms such as the organisation of Ministerial and other high level visits in both directions, representations to the Hong Kong government on issues of importance to New Zealand such as access conditions for New Zealand goods and services (including air services), or consultations on regional or global issues such as APEC or the WTO. Public relations generally, including encouraging investment in New Zealand, and providing information about New Zealand to enquirers are other functions we perform.
The Consulate works closely with our sister New Zealand government agencies co-located on the 65th Floor of Central Plaza - that is New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the New Zealand Immigration Service. Our collective mission is to provide efficient services to the New Zealand community and to protect and enhance New Zealand’s national interests.
I would urge those members of the Chamber who have not already done so to register with the Consulate. This will enable us to contact you should the need arise – for example, regarding travel advisories or passport regulations. You can register online through our website www.nzembassy.com/hongkong , by fax +852 2845 2915 or personally at the Consulate (65th Floor, Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong).
Finally, I should say that as a regular participant at New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong functions I enjoy meeting members at these events. The Consulate will continue to assist the Chamber and join with it to promote the interests of its membership and New Zealand as a whole.
Julian Ludbrook
Consul-General
2007