South Island Lantern Business Forum

Expert commentary and the latest trend data and economic analysis from China will be on offer at the 2019 South Island Lantern Business Forum. Don’t miss this chance to increase your impact in this growing market.

China is one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and New Zealand’s largest goods trading partner. In 2018, trade between New Zealand and China was valued at more than $27 billion. In the same period, more than 450,000 Chinese visitors landed on our shores, spending upwards of $4 million.

So how can you get a piece of this action? How is your business maximising it’s reach in this market? What could you be doing better? At the South Island Lantern Business Forum you’ll hear from industry-leading speakers, get clued up on the latest data and trends, attend workshops and profit from an unparalleled networking opportunity.

Keynote speakers include Jinbo Yao, founder and chairman of 58.com (58同城网), one of the largest online marketplaces in China. Sitting on the China Rich List and worth more than $1b, this is a unique opportunity to hear from a Chinese businessman at the top of the game.

Former Prime Minister Sir Bill English will also take the stage to share his insight on dealings with China, both as a politician and a businessman. He’ll be joined by Liam Corkery, Trade Commissioner for China, and Dr Mingming Cheng, a China research expert, who will provide new details on Chinese youth travel.

Programme:
11:45 AM Guests arrive & registration
12:00 PM Networking lunch
12:50 PM Opening Remarks
1:05 PM Welcome: MC
1:15 PM Keynote speaker
2:05 PM Keynote speaker
3:00 PM Afternoon tea
3:30 PM Workshops begin: 2 options
Option 1: Trade – Succeeding during interesting times
Option 2: Tourism – Leveraging opportunities during the China Year of Tourism
4.15 PM Final panel - summary of learnings, Q&A
5:30 PM Networking drink will be held at Tūranga - 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch
6:30 PM Networking drinks conclude – you are welcome to join the South Island Lantern Festival opening ceremony which will be held in Victoria Square