Hon Shane Jones, Minister for Infrastructure
Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones leaves for Singapore and Hong Kong this weekend to learn about infrastructure issues there and encourage opportunities for investment in New Zealand infrastructure.
The trip includes taking part in an Infrastructure New Zealand delegation to gather insights into the planning, funding, procurement and delivery of infrastructure in the two countries.
"Both Hong Kong and Singapore number among our major trading partners, have significant direct investments here and both have some world-class infrastructure," Shane Jones said.
"This visit will give me an opportunity to see this first hand, and meet with key sector leaders, to consider what lessons might be of use in the New Zealand context."
Infrastructure New Zealand (INZ) chief executive Stephen Selwood, Chairman Andrew Stevens, and INZ members are in the delegation, along with senior government officials, including Treasury Deputy Secretary Jon Grayson. The Treasury is leading work on the establishment of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, which from later this year will help ensure better planning and delivery of quality infrastructure investment.
"In addition to participating in the delegation, I will also take the opportunity to meet with business leaders, Ministers and senior government officials in both countries, to encourage opportunities for investment in New Zealand, and to better understand their institutional settings. This includes a meeting with Lawrence Wong, Singapore's Minister for National Development and the Second Minister for Finance," Shane Jones said.
The Minister returns to New Zealand on March 23
