Enhanced trade and collaborative efforts between China and New Zealand during a recent diplomatic visit
China and New Zealand have reaffirmed their strong relationship, with Chinese President Xi Jinping referring to New Zealand as a "friend and partner." This was stated during a visit by a delegation from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) to New Zealand in April 2023.
The visit resulted in the signing of several agreements, including a memorandum of cooperation and letters of intent for participation in the upcoming China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in November. The CISCE, scheduled to take place in Beijing from November 26 to 30, serves as an international platform for connecting businesses, academia, research institutions, and facilitating interactions between Chinese and foreign enterprises.
The second edition of CISCE promises expanded offerings and enhanced trade and investment opportunities. The CCPIT, which hosts CISCE, is working towards building "new growth engines" together with New Zealand in various areas such as e-commerce, the green economy, food security, agriculture, and more.
Ren Hongbin, chairman of the CCPIT, emphasized the significance of enhancing partnerships between China and New Zealand in areas such as renewable and alternative energies, smart vehicles, sustainable agriculture, and health-focused lifestyles.
New Zealand is China's largest trading partner, according to data provided by New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral trade between the two countries remains resilient.
The relationship between New Zealand and China dates back to the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in December 1972. Recent high-level visits, including New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' trip to China in June 2023, have further strengthened diplomatic and economic bonds.
During Hipkins' visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for both countries to "strengthen cooperation in areas including education, culture, and tourism." The Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, met with New Zealand's deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Winston Peters, in Wellington in March.
Wang Yi aimed to build on points discussed during Prime Minister Hipkins' visit to China, with a focus on implementing an upgraded version of the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement. The upgraded version of the agreement, as mentioned by Wang Yi, is a point of focus for strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
The CCPIT secured multiple new cooperation agreements with New Zealand organizations during the April visit. The delegation, consisting of over 80 members, engaged in nearly 150 business discussions and promotional events.
As the CISCE approaches, both countries look forward to continuing to strengthen their partnership and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
