Freight support package for exporters

EXPORTERS from the Blue Pacific Continent now have the opportunity to apply for the Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand’s 2023 Freight Support Package.

According to PTI NZ applications for this valuable and practical freight subsidy package are open between March 1, 2023, and close April 30, 2023 while applicants will receive notice of the decision by the end of May 2023.

PTI NZ trade commissioner Glynis Miller said the Freight Support Program was an important element adding practical value to their core function – that of supporting exporters from the Blue Pacific, and inbound investment too.

Ms Miller said PTI NZ would also consider freight costs for the import of raw materials, as being eligible for the Freight Subsidy Package, as long as the other eligibility criteria are met.

The Freight Support Package complements the priority area in the Pacific Regional E-Commerce Strategy and Roadmap: to “Develop regional freight assistance packages (costshare basis) to lower the costs of cross-border Ecommerce.

“The Pacific Islands Export

Survey 2020 conducted by Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) reveals that freight costs are one of the top three barriers to export faced by Pacific businesses, and this situation was exasperated by the disruptions to shipping credited by COVID-19.

“A freight assistance package such as the one developed by PTI can support Pacific exporters by reducing the cost of accessing international markets in a post COVID-19 recovery phase. Tailoring the support towards E-commerce businesses would in turn foster innovation and stimulate long-term competitiveness in the Pacific region,” Ms Miller said.

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must:

■ Have a registered business export licence and operate in one of the Pacific Islands Forum Member Countries and be exporting during 2023 or have forward export orders for 2023.

■ Must be exporting to NZ or PIFS nation or territory.

■ Provide documentary evidence of freight costs over the past 12 months (e.g., bill of lading, air waybills, freight company invoices and/or statements).

■ Provide proof of freight payments made.

■ Agree to submit an impact statement and sales attributed to grant.