Thirty-five foreign diplomats toured Hamilton and the Waikato region during an official visit earlier this month.
The delegation was made up of New Zealand and Australian-based heads of mission from countries including Argentina, Canada, China, France, Japan, Singapore, South Africa and the United States. The group was able to network with businesses across a range of industries, including agritech, manufacturing, technology and logistics.
Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate said she was proud to showcase the economic strengths of the region.
“Our city and region is the best place to do business and we are seeing that in economic indicators. This tour presented a great opportunity for Waikato businesses to reinforce their international connections and open doors for future collaboration, investment and trade.”
Hamilton City Council economic development manager Mike Bennett said “Hamilton’s economy is underpinned by key strengths – our innovative spirit, a strategic and connected location, lifestyle and cost-of-living benefits, our young, diverse, and well-educated workforce. This visit gave us the perfect opportunity to demonstrate that”.
The tour was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and co-hosted by the council and Te Waka, Waikato’s regional economic development agency.
