In the 1990s Asia was regarded as El Dorado. The phenomenal growth being experienced across its economies spelled riches for any New Zealand company willing to leap a cultural divide. Then, in 1997, the world discovered that normal economic principles also applied in El Dorado and the Asian love affair became the Asian financial crisis. New Zealand did not turn its back on Asia but its focus turned inward to migrants and fee-paying students. The dynamic approach that business had had to trade with the region lost much of its ardour.
Economic crisis, followed by terrorist attacks and the Sars epidemic, led to a marked realignment in the way many perceived our future fortunes to lie. The Prime Minister was practising diplomatic understatement when she told the Seriously Asia Forum in Wellington this week that these factors had led to "a plateau in our relationships with the region".
It is time to rekindle our enthusiasm for engagement with Asian nations but not as a fair-weather friend now that they have largely weathered the crisis of 1997. Our relationship must be based on a recognition that New Zealand's future is inextricably linked to that region. Asian nations, particularly China and India, will only grow in economic and strategic influence and we live in the same neighbourhood. We must also, sooner or later, realise a natural inclination to look toward those countries from whence a growing proportion of our population - most notably in Auckland - originates.
Certainly there are also benefits to be derived from the economic recovery in many Asian countries. China's growth rate is remarkable and even Japan is showing signs of rejuvenation after years of stagnation. However, our long-term view should not be driven by such short-term agendas. If New Zealand is seen only as an opportunist it will ultimately be the loser. Asian enterprise will be looking for true friends.
The Seriously Asia Forum signalled a resurgence of interest in the region and a determination, this time, to be there for the long haul. It was, however, a meeting of the converted. There remains a considerable amount of work to be done before the country as a whole embraces the concept.
Much of that work needs to be done from within the private sector but without strong state-led initiatives the task will be harder and longer. There is a commitment from the Labour-led Government. The attendance of Helen Clark and Foreign Minister Phil Goff throughout the day-long meeting would have sent the strongest of signals to the overseas participants.
What appeared to be lacking, however, was any sign that Opposition parties shared that enthusiasm for re-engagement. They should have been strong participants in the forum but they were not. That is an omission they must move swiftly to remedy. Cross-party agreement on a broad strategy that articulated the country's commitment to a future in Asia would give some certainly to that long-haul approach to engagement. If the Prime Minister and National leader Don Brash could reach accord, Act and the Green Party would likely follow. Then Winston Peters and his rhetoric would be seen for what it is - a blatant appeal to thinly disguised bigotry.
What do parties on both sides of the House have to lose by committing to a broad strategy? We have relative proximity, economic prospects and a changing population all pointing to the wisdom of Asian initiatives. This country must have a carefully crafted raft of long-term economic, strategic and cultural policies to guide relationships. We need a domestic climate that produces the right public-private partnerships that also involve the valuable Asian resource we have in our own country.
We start with the advantage of a strong reputation in many Asian countries. Comments by the Chinese Ambassador, who attended the forum, were testament to that. Mr Chen's unsolicited comment that "New Zealand enjoys the trust of East Asian countries" is worth its weight in gold.
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