WELLINGTON, May 17 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government will launch a new platform Friday to boost private business opportunities for the country's growing population of immigrant entrepreneurs.

Minister for Ethnic Affairs Judith Collins said Thursday that the Ethnic People in Commerce New Zealand (EPIC NZ) Conference in Auckland would focus on ways to support and tap into the potential of small and medium-sized ethnic businesses.

Organized by the Office of Ethnic Affairs with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, EPIC NZ would bring together like-minded business people to exchange ideas, build important partnerships and pursue opportunities in both onshore and offshore markets, Collins said.

"Building on the strengths of our ethnic business people is essential for a more competitive and productive economy and expanding New Zealand's access to Asia-Pacific markets," Collins said in a statement.

The conference would also promote the government-run website, epicnz.co.nz, to help ethnic business people connect with each other and the wider New Zealand SME sector.

"Sixty percent of our workforce growth comes from migration. Our ethnic and migrant communities are playing a growing role in our economy, helping us export more and creating more real jobs," said Collins.

"Ethnic New Zealanders have the linguistic and cultural expertise, business acumen and experience to make valuable international connections and take our country forward.

"It makes sense to do all we can to unlock that potential to help create jobs and improve New Zealand's trade opportunities," Collins said.

According to the Office of Ethnic Affairs, the conference will also host discussions on how Asian demand has helped New Zealand through the global financial crisis, opening doors to India, China and the ASEAN region, and the importance of ethnic people's connections, networks and relationships for domestic economic gain.

May 17, 2012

Source: Xinhua

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