New Zealand Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples is leading a business delegation to Malaysia this week that will focus on the links between the indigenous peoples of both countries.

The delegation for New Zealand Week in Malaysia, beginning Friday, would comprise 30 representatives from 18 organizations involved in the food and beverage, tourism, education and other industries, Sharples said Thursday.

"The theme of this year's New Zealand week in Malaysia is Lima Mata Ikan, or Rima Mata Ika, which is about exploring and expanding on the cultural and ancestral linkages between Maori, Polynesian and the indigenous peoples of Malaysia," Sharples said in a statement.

"Ties between the peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand and Malaysia stretch back millennia, our indigenous peoples share a common language family and heritage," he said.

"Malaysia is New Zealand's eighth largest trading partner and is a crucial market for our primary producers as well as growing numbers of entrepreneurs in other sectors such as education and tourism." Endi

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)