Importers to divulge Sino-secrets in Ahuriri

SCALE: Insights into the largest trade fair in China will be given on Thursday. Photo/Taro Taylor

A free presentation on sourcing from China will be given by two leading New Zealand importers on Thursday.

At the Hawke's Bay Business Hub in Ahuriri Mike Pook (general manager sourcing - general merchandise at The Warehouse) and Don Graham (director of William Aitken & Co) will share their stories and provide advice about importing & sourcing from China via a video link from Auckland to Napier and Christchurch audiences.

There will also be a live link to the Canton Import and Export Fair organisers who will briefly outline what is the largest trade fair in China, running since 1957 and held twice a year.

For many years the Canton Fair has been an important destination for foreign companies interested in importing products from China and in more recent years it has added a category for foreign exporters.

The New Zealand China Trade Association (NZCTA) has a long history with the Fair dating back to when one of NZCTA's founding members (and past Chairman) Vic Percival (or Pan Xi Fu - Western Buddha as the Chinese named him) was amongst the first "foreigners" to attend the first Fair in 1957. He was the only "foreigner" attending that first fair still alive to attend the 100th Canton Fair in October 2006.

After the presentation a networking opportunity is available with NZCTA executive member Jim Poppelwell and others engaged in importing/sourcing from China or interested in the Canton Fair.

Mr Pook is a retail executive with more than 35 years' experience encompassing retail operations, merchandising, store format development and general management including roles with Progressive, Woolworths NZ, The Warehouse & EziBuy.

His current role focuses on growing the direct sourcing side of the business (for general merchandise). He works closely with New Zealand buyers to understand their range requirements, and then with The Warehouse team in Shanghai to source products and suppliers to fulfil those needs, doing this especially through growing factory-direct relationships.

Mr Graham is a director and business development manager for William Aitken & Co, a company importing consumables into New Zealand for more than 70 years. Over the past 10 years, the company has grown, particularly with containers of grocery products imported from China. Don is an energetic motivated person who believes in developing strong and solid business relationships with suppliers. He has been in the grocery industry for more than 38 years and in 2013 was honoured with a lifetime achiever award from the Prime Minister for his efforts.

To book for the 5pm to 7pm presentation and Q & A session visit http://events.nzcta.co.nz.