The final research workshop of the latest phase of the “EU through the Eyes of Asia” study marked two major landmarks for ASEF. Firstly it was the culmination of the latest phase of the pioneering study. And, secondly, it was ASEF’s first official activity in New Zealand, since joining ASEM in 2010. Taking place in the idyllic Hamner Springs area on the South Island, the workshop brought together the research teams from 10 countries to analyse the latest data and plan the final research reports.
Co-ordinated by ASEF’s long term partner, the National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE) – University of Canterbury, this latest phase of the research covers 10 ASEM member states across the Asia-Pacific region, namely – Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, and, Thailand. The research teams presented the findings from over 300 face to face interviews with opinion leaders from across Asia and analysed the public opinion data from 10,000 survey respondents.
The workshop was followed by a public event at the NCRE in Christchurch, where researchers and experts explored the major findings of the study providing feedback on the effectiveness of the role of the European External Action Service in improving the profile of the EU in the Asia-Pacific.
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