The Asia Hustle Podcast

“Moving the dial” in Asian trade with host Jade Gray

In this last episode of Season 1, Asia Hustle host Jade Gray offers a summary of the three critical themes made apparent through the last nine shows that are shaping our future trading prospects in the Asia region against the backdrop of COVID-19 and wider geopolitical contexts. Firstly we take stock of the deteriorating US/China relations and the inevitable impacts on New Zealand’s diplomatic strategy, as well as the continuing need to diversify our trading relations. We then explore the increasing uptake of online commerce and digitisation across every facet of the Asian economy looking at how NZ businesses may best approach their own digital strategy. Finally we contemplate how New Zealand can build on its growing reputation as “the world’s safest country” and the endless, wide-reaching opportunities that a globally trusted brand presents. - TIMESTAMPS 01:50 - Deteriorating China-US relations and impacts on New Zealand trade and diplomacy 08:16 - The increasing digitisation of Asian economies 12:21 - New Zealand’s growing reputation as the world’s safest and most trusted nation - LINKS AND REFERENCES Former UN Security Council President Kishore Mahbubani discusses growing Sino-US antagonism and possible solutions. https://supchina.com/podcast/has-china-won-a-conversation-with-singapores-kishore-mahbubani/

The Financial Times’ Jamil Anderlini: The geopolitics shaping NZ’s future trade

In this wide reaching interview in straight-talking “Jamil Anderlini style”, we get a rare look into the Asia market from one of New Zealand’s most respected international journalists. Geopolitics are shifting in the region at an alarming rate with the deteriorating Sino-US relations firmly at the centre. Jamil pulls apart many of the key issues at play and gives us his unique take on how these may affect NZ’s trade stability and prosperity in the years to come. Based in Hong Kong, Jamil has been with the FT since 2007 spending most of that time in China where he was named Beijing Bureau Chief in 2011. Jamil has a long list of accolades in global journalism and was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2013. In his current role as Asia Editor, he oversees the Financial Times’ coverage of the Asia region directing the work of regional correspondents and overseeing the editing and commissioning team in Hong Kong. Jamil graduated from Victoria University of Wellington and Auckland University of Technology. - TIMESTAMPS 02:00 - How Hong Kong and Taiwan have managed the health crisis so effectively 04:30 - The economic situation in Hong Kong 10:25 - New Zealand’s unique selling proposition in the Asian region 13:40 - The risks to an overreliance on China exports  19:40 - Why exporters need to understand geopolitics 27:20 - The critical importance of maintaining NZ’s position as a  highly trusted nation 36:40 - The export value of Jacinda Ardern’s growing global reputation - LINKS AND REFERENCES Jamil Anderlini Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamil-anderlini-6a89273/ Jamil Anderlini Twitter @JamilAnderlini Jamil Anderlini Financial Times https://www.ft.com/jamil-anderlini

Maintaining prosperous Sino-New Zealand trade relations with David Mahon

In spite of a battered global economy, New Zealand exports to China remain relatively steadfast. Drawing on his 35 years in-market experience, business leader David Mahon takes us on a deep dive into the key forces at play shaping the ever evolving relationship with our largest trading partner. Discussing policy, diplomacy and trade, David articulately highlights their inter-relationship and the importance of alignment across all three to ensure maintained prosperous trade in the critical China market. Born in Auckland, David Mahon is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Mahon China Investment Management Limited which has managed five private equity funds, assisted multinationals to acquire assets and managed foreign companies’ crises in China. David has worked as a strategic advisor and served on the boards of firms in a number of industries. He has worked extensively in Chinese and foreign media and has published widely with a specific emphasis on China’s commercial and political relationship with New Zealand. - TIMESTAMPS 2:50 - Stability over rapid growth, China’s New Normal 6:20 - Decoupling from China unrealistic 9:00 - The importance of trusted provenance 11:40 - Scaling our burgeoning SME’s 18:21 - Protecting and commercialising our traceability IP 23:20 - Walking the talk on our “100% Pure NZ” story 28:10 - Navigating strained Sino relations 33:58 - China’s lessons from SARS…..or lack thereof? 36:15 - China’s diplomatic handling of the crisis - LINKS Mahon China > http://www.mahonchina.com/

The rising wellness movement in Japan with Wholesum’s Founder Don Roxburgh

Across Asia and the world, we are seeing an explosion of interest in the wellness space. From immune-boosting superfoods to online fitness classes, in light of the COVID-19 crisis everyone seems to be taking greater interest in their personal health with the spending to match it. Long time Japan resident and kiwi entrepreneur Don Roxburgh delves into the peculiarities of the Japanese wellness space through his unique lens as the founder of Wholesum Japan, an importing and distribution business specialising in New Zealand health foods, and draws attention on elements to consider for companies looking to enter the Japanese market. - TIMESTAMPS 02:15 - The Japanese Government’s moderate approach to the health crisis 04:40 - An opportunity for Japanese society to fully embrace the digital era 05:50 - The increasing respect for “Kiwi leadership” and its possible effect on our trading opportunities 09:10 - Immune-boosting superfoods the hot ticket online 11:50 - Rugby World Cup and Olympics providing added momentum to the Japanese wellness movement 14:45 - Challenges to marketing the technology behind health products  16:35 - Japan slow to pick up on alternative Western diets (plant-based, gluten-free, paleo, etc.) 19:30 - With labelling and packaging, the devil’s in the detail  22:35 - Don’s tips for kiwi companies looking to enter the Japanese market from building valuable partnerships to understanding the health specifics of your product - LINKS AND REFERENCES NZTE’s Japanese market COVID update https://covid19.nzte.govt.nz/page/japan Wholesum Japan http://www.wholesumjapan.jp/home.html Les Mills COVID online pivot (China) https://www.chinaskinny.com/blog/case-study-coronavirus-china/