Government plan big, bold, bravo!

The Government's plan for the new business facing ministry represents big potential for business and employment growth, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).

"The plan is big and bold - bravo," said Kim Campbell, EMA's chief executive.

"Business should be much better served under the united new ministry.

"The restructuring should drive better economic growth because it will integrate with the engines of productivity which are innovation, R&D and science.

"Along with its new structure we trust the new ministry to engage early with its stakeholders on their expectations and aspirations.

"For one thing we will be looking forward to seeing progress reports later in the year on the six priority business areas mentioned earlier this week.

"We welcome especially the emphasis placed on achieving higher international competitiveness. This is most important if we are to offset the added costs of such as the Emissions Trading Scheme and the Resource Management Act."