The American Chamber of Commence in New Zealand (AmCham) has declared that although New the country’s business climate is healthy, the government needs to “make it easier for skilled migrants to settle here”. It has declared that an increase in migration would be a significant factor in addressing current market limitations.

AmCham president Mark Fitz-Gerald outlined the findings of a recent survey stating: “Nearly 70 per cent of the companies anticipate sales growth this year while 60 per cent said they were looking to expand their New Zealand operations or make new investment in another venture here.”

70 per cent of respondents to the annual survey claimed that New Zealand’s skills shortage was significantly restricting business growth, a sentiment that has increased since last year, when 52 per cent of companied responded with the same concern.

AmCham has announced that it will be establishing a think-tank to develop solutions which will be discussed with the government and other relevant parties early in the new year.