The theme of the plenary this year is Accreditation: Supporting the Supply Chain.  The theme has been selected for two reasons. The first is to showcase some of the ways in which accreditation supports the trading aspiration of industry in strategically important sectors such as food and environment.  This year’s plenary will feature the primary industries sector including emerging areas such as organics.  The second reason  is to highlight the current  role of the PAC community and the future challenges as a cooperation institution within the Asia Pacific  

Over the last few years Accreditation has established a strong position in supporting confidence in the supply of goods to markets within the Asia Pacific region and the rest of the world.   Much remains to be done to extend the reach and benefits of a well structured system of accreditation.  As the world’s fastest growing and most diverse group of economies the Asia Pacific has a great deal  to contribute to  the future of accreditation.   Our challenge is to organise ourselves to meet emerging needs in such a dynamic social and economic environment. 

 

The PAC Plenary will be addressed  by Hon Tim Groser, NZ Minister of Trade who will welcome delegates and will also place accreditation work within the Government's broader focus on trade and economic integration in the Asia pacific region.  The Plenary will feature a traditional Maori welcome that will reflect the values of trust, hospitality and integrity that are so essential to any cooperative endeavour. It will also include a key note address by Mr John Hulbert, former CEO of JAS-ANZ, exploring some of the  key ideas underlying the plenary theme .     

 

Mike Willing

Chairman JAS-ANZ