NZTech Inform – rebuilding for our future

As the pandemic continues to create issues around the world, with even highly vaccinated countries like Singapore having to reintroduce restrictions, the importance of digital trade is thrown into stark relief. Against this backdrop, New Zealand has been successfully hosting the 2021 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in a fully virtual environment.

Senior officials from the APEC nations have been focusing on trade and the importance of digital trade. Officials have been working to find commonalities between the 21 member economies on how to boost digital trade in the region through the internet and digital economy roadmap. At the same time they are addressing the gaps to enable everyone to enjoy the benefits of this sector.

On 4 October, you can join an APEC webinar with Minister Clark and Thailand’s Minister for the DIgital Economy, alongside Vanessa Sorrenson, Microsoft’s New Zealand Managing Director and Anna Curzon, Chief Product Officer Xero and ABAC NZ member. They will be discussing the digital future of APEC, digital trade and New Zealand’s role.

It isn’t just digital trade that will be critical for New Zealand’s pandemic recovery. As Don Christie wrote last week for Newsroom, IT is critical for the nation’s rebuild. I really liked Don’s closing paragraph,

“Our government and our sector, working constructively together, can help us all rebuild New Zealand as a society and economy for the future.  Where our children are in control of their data and their destinies, and our digital sector is vibrant, innovative, and a key platform for our prosperity.  It’s clear from the approach taken by other nations that there is a better way.  We should be doing the same.  New Zealand’s digital future belongs to New Zealanders, starting now.”

With that inspiring statement, let’s get out there and have a productive week.

Ngā mihi

Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech

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