The importance of digital trade in our economic recovery

Overview

The Canterbury region has always relied on trade to grow and flourish. Paul Gestro; ASB’s International Trade Consultant and AJ Smith; Trade Window CEO, will discuss the importance of digital trade; the current state of play, what the future could look like and what is being done or not done. Trade Window will also demonstrate how they have taken the paper process of trade and digitised it using blockchain technology. The following topics are a guide to the session: 

• What is digital trade and digital commerce and how important will it be in our economic recovery?
• What can kiwi businesses do today to embark on an online and contactless future? Can they afford not to?
• What is the new technology that can ensure trade is conducted in a safe and seamless environment, removing many of the risks?
• What are the key digital challenges kiwi businesses face to reach global markets? What are the opportunities?
• What is the government doing to help expedite the movement of goods across borders?
• What are digital trade alliances between countries and regions? How can businesses take advantage of these?
• What is the rest of the world doing and how do we make sure we have a seat at the table?

This interactive discussion-style event will be capped at 15 attendees. Whether you are new to the topic or have years of relevant experience, you will be encouraged to ask questions and actively contribute your perspective.  

Speakers

Paul Gestro

Paul is ASB’s International Trade Consultant, working alongside kiwi businesses to help them grow and trade internationally. Over a 25-year career in international business, Paul has started and run export businesses, raised capital for start-ups and worked for banks and multinationals managing cross border payments, trade and capital flows in New Zealand and Europe. New Zealand Government trade, investment and diplomatic postings in Asia and North America round out Paul’s career. Paul studied international business, agriculture economics, marketing and finance at Massey University, University of Auckland and Harvard Business School and has been an advisor and board member for numerous businesses, not-for-profits and business councils.

AJ Smith

AJ founded TradeWindow in June 2018, building on a track-record of innovation and investment in successful rapid-growth companies in South Africa, Switzerland and New Zealand including MediFin, GreenFin and Bonds Africa. With a strong belief in building high-performance teams, AJ is an active executive member of the Young Presidents Organisation and holds a B. Comm from University of Free State and currently completing a Masters degree in Supply Chain and Logistics in his spare time. 

Additional information

COVID-19

We have been monitoring government updates regarding COVID-19 and are keeping up to date with Ministry of Health guidance with regard to events and public gatherings.

For the latest updates on face to face courses and our safety planning see our response to COVID-19 page

Branch event cancellation policy

Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event.

See our standard terms and conditions for more information.

Contact

Sharynn Johnson
Canterbury Branch Manager

+64 3 968 6468
canterbury.branch@iod.org.nz

Our sponsors

The Canterbury Branch acknowledges the generous support of