Oritain Announce Singapore Expansion During NZ Prime Minister Mission to Asia

Oritain CEO Grant Cochrane is in Singapore with the Prime Minister’s delegation, representing New Zealand businesses’ interests in priority South East Asian markets. The Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, is leading the mission to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines from 15-19 April 2024.

At the mission, Oritain CEO Grant Cochrane announced that Oritain is investing in the region, with the establishment of a local office in Singapore in 2024. Cochrane announced, “Oritain works with some of the world’s largest brands to underpin their sustainability and ESG commitments and South East Asia is a global centre for innovation and supply chain leadership. Establishing a Singapore operation will mean Oritain can further empower partner companies around the world to make changes across their supply chain and operate more sustainably.” Oritain’s Singapore office is expected to open in the third quarter of 2024.

The Prime Minister’s mission delegation supports the Government’s goal to diversify New Zealand’s trade capabilities and double the value of exports over the next decade. New Zealand businesses on the mission are building relationships in Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, raising the profile of their services and export offerings in these markets.

In a statement last week, Christopher Luxon said, “South East Asia is a region that is more crucial than ever to our prosperity and our security. Building new connections and renewing relationships with partners and customers in these important markets is a priority.” He added, “Oritain’s investment to provide forensic science services locally in the region is testament to this commitment.”

For Oritain, this mission represents an opportunity to gain understanding of these thriving markets, connect with in-market partners, and collaborate with other members of the delegation. The initiative was endorsed by Oritain Board Chairman and former New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Sir John Key, who said, “Oritain supports the focus of this mission on innovation and clean tech. This dynamic, future-focussed and connected region is a critical hub in supply chains for many global organisations and Oritain’s services are increasingly sought-after in the region.”

South East Asia as a region is the world’s fifth largest economy and is expected to be one of the fastest growing economic regions in 2024. It accounts for nearly 10% of all New Zealand exports, worth more than $9 billion in 2023, and includes six of New Zealand's top 20 export destinations. It is critical to the country’s trade diversification and economic resilience.