Business forum to mark Christchurch Lantern Festival

As the city prepares to light up for the Christchurch Lantern Festival this weekend, more than 200 business delegates will also gather to share ideas on growing business relations with China.

The inaugural South Island Lantern Business Forum, held at the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, has attracted attendees from around the South Island who either do business in Asia or have links with the region.

The event will act as a spring board for ideas on growing economic, education and tourism links with the region. 

Manager of Major Events Richard Attwood said the Christchurch Lantern Festival had proved so successful, it was this year expanded to include a business forum. 

The forum provides an opportunity for New Zealand organisations to learn more about doing business with China and to hear from high calibre international speakers such as Maggie Zhou from Alibaba Group, which operates one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world; and Paul O’Brien former CEO of Easiyo, who both have a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area,” he said.

Bernard Lo, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office will also deliver a keynote speech. The forum will conclude with a panel discussion on how to market successfully into China, followed by an audience Q&A session.

“Our aim is to educate, inspire and connect people - we’re incredibly privileged to have such an amazing line-up of speakers for our first year. Aligning the business forum with the Christchurch Lantern Festival in Hagley Park means it becomes a celebration of the relationship between China and the South Island, our people, our cultures and the opportunities to work together.”

The forum is supported by Hong Kong Economic Trade Office, Asia New Zealand Foundation and the Christchurch City Council. It aims to capitalise on the Lantern Festival’s profile and attract and build investment in Christchurch.