Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand (PTI NZ) bids a fond farewell to Trade Development Manager Ian Furlong who has been an essential part of the PTI NZ team for the past four years.
Before working with PTI NZ Ian spent more than 20 years’ with global giant Coca-Cola Amatil, and was their GM in Fiji.
Although he worked for one of the best-known brands on the planet, Ian decided he would like to have the opportunity to work with smaller businesses in countries across the Pacific.
Reminiscing over his time spent in Fiji Ian says he used to drive past roadside vendors selling all manner of items, everything from produce to jewellery.
“I just thought there would be something deeply satisfying in helping entrepreneurs in small to medium businesses, grow and develop and break into different markets – like the New Zealand market.”
So, Ian joined the PTI NZ and brought with him the drive, expertise, and passion to help grow trade between the forum island countries and New Zealand.
During his time at PTI NZ Ian was responsible for managing trade programmes including Path to Market; PTI NZ’s seven-step export capability building programme, delivered in partnership with local stakeholders
During his time with PTI NZ Ian was instrumental in facilitating more than 41 trade deals totalling over $17m for SMEs in the Blue Pacific and which has been a positive impact for the businesses worked with and the local economy where the businesses are based.
When asked what his highlight of working at PTI has been Ian says, ‘developing export capability building programmes such as Path to Market that led to record high levels of exports from the Pacific’.
“I’ve enjoyed my time with Pacific Trade Invest and I feel that I’m leaving things in a good state for the next team coming on board. I’m looking forward to a being able to try new and exciting opportunities”, he says.
Acting Trade Commissioner Glynis Miller says, “Ian has done a superb job in leading the Trade team and delivering Path to Market capability workshops for PTI NZ.”
“What we do here is important and we need people who have the passion and drive to work for the betterment of the Blue Pacific Region.
PTI NZ wishes Ian all the very best and thanks him for the marvellous job he has done in the past four years.
All trade enquiries can be directed to PTI NZ’s trade team:
Trade Development Manager Aude Douyere– aude.d@pacifictradeinvest.co.nz
Trade Development Officer Riley Birtwistle – riley.b@pacifictradeinvest.co.nz
Pacific Periscope 