8 Opportunities

8.1.1 There are opportunities for increased participation by the New Zealand Government in a number of fora in the Asia Pacific region. In particular, there could be value in the following initiatives. We could:

8.1.2 Join the Certification Forum of Australasia in order to participate in its networking and shared learning activities, particularly as/if it becomes more active in New Zealand. The cost of membership is in the order of A$1,500.

8.1.3 Promote NZ representation at, and active participation in, the work of the APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group (APEC TEL) in the area of PKI:

8.1.3.1 Specifically, seek to participate in the APEC interoperability projects in order to gain practical experience of the Trust Lists approach. This will require investment in terms of people's time, access to equipment and systems, and international travel. So far as travel is concerned, this would require at least one initial trip to discuss arrangements with project participants, preferably with follow-up visits as required. Much of this could possibly be done at the same time as attending APEC TEL meetings.

8.1.3.2 Monitor emerging cross-recognition schemes, especially in the APEC region, such as the Pan Asian e-Commerce Alliance and the Australian "Project Angus" and plan to participate as appropriate. This will require at a minimum the attendance of a suitably briefed NZ representative at APEC TEL meetings who can convey the NZ position and report back to the S.E.E. Steering Group on developments. Clearly active participation in any schemes will require similar investment to participating in interoperability projects.