The National Bureau of Asian Research and Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University Wellington are co-hosting a public event "Emerging Digital & Environmental Trade Issues in the Indo-Pacific" on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The event will feature expert presentations on the environmental aspects of trade and digital trade, followed by an audience Q&A and a discussion moderated by Prof. Siah Hwee Ang and Prof. Susy Frankel FRSNZ.

The event will take place at GBLT3, Old Government Buildings. Please follow the link to register and see the agenda.

About the speakers

Nigel Cory is an Associate Director at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, focusing on trade policy related to digital trade, data governance, and intellectual property. His expertise has influenced digital trade policies worldwide, including providing research for APEC and WTO. Nigel Cory has previously served with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and is a member of the UK's International Data Transfer Expert Council.

Maureen Hinman is the Co-Founder and Chairman of Silverado Policy Accelerator, focusing on trade, economic security, and cybersecurity issues. She previously directed environment and natural resources policy at the USTR and has held significant roles related to U.S. trade policy for the environmental technology industry. Maureen Hinman is recognised as a "Tech Titan" by Washingtonian Magazine for 2022 and 2023.

Event Overview

The event commenced with opening remarks from Professor Susy Frankel FRSNZ and Christopher Allison, US Embassy Counselor for Political & Economic Affairs. Maureen Hinman then shared a detailed roadmap for trade policy and forums to address environmental and climate challenges. Nigel Cory discussed digital trade, New Zealand's leadership in the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, key points from the latest OECD digital report, and the advantages of accelerated digital technology adoption. The event concluded with insightful closing remarks from Professor Siah Hwee Ang followed by a networking reception.

Speakers have also joined the students of LAWS 504: International Trade Law, including those in the Master of International Trade Programme (MInTr), for a roundtable discussion on Indigenous peoples and trade focusing on the Waitangi Tribunal Report on the CPTPP (WAI 2522).