On April 19, Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC), concluded a delegation’s visit to New Zealand. The visit, marked by the delegation’s participation in the New Zealand-China Business Assembly Forum and a roadshow for the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), resulted in the signing of several agreements, including a memorandum of cooperation and letters of intent for participation in the upcoming expo this November.
Comprising over 80 delegates from the CCPIT, regional and industry promotion bodies, and corporations, this recent delegation to New Zealand represents the largest of its kind from China in years. The delegates engaged in nearly 150 business discussions and promotional events alongside their New Zealand counterparts. Notably, the CCPIT, which hosts CISCE, secured multiple new cooperation agreements with New Zealand organizations, highlighting the growing business ties between the two countries.
During the visit, Ren 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. The delegation also toured the facilities of leading local businesses like Aunew and Yili subsidiary Oceania Dairy.
The enduring relationship between New Zealand and China, dating back to the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in December 1972, provided a backdrop to these discussions. Both countries share extensive bilateral and trade connections, with China notably being New Zealand’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 remained resilient, underscoring efforts made by both nations to sustain engagement. 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 the visit, Hipkins met Chinese President Xi Jinping, who, according to Reuters, emphasized the need for both countries to “strengthen cooperation in areas including education, culture, and tourism.”
New Zealand’s independent foreign policy has been welcomed by Xi and fellow Chinese counterparts. Reuters noted Xi stating that China regards New Zealand as a “friend and partner” and is open to working with the country to promote the steady and sustained growth of their comprehensive, strategic partnership spanning various areas including e-commerce, the green economy, food security, agriculture, and more.
In March, Wang Yi, foreign minister of China, met Winston Peters, New Zealand’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, in Wellington. Wang sought to build on points discussed during Hipkins’ visit in 2023, highlighting the intent to jointly implement an upgraded version of the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement while building “new growth engines” together.
The CISCE serves as an international platform to integrate the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, connecting businesses of all sizes with the industry, academia, research institutions, while facilitating interactions between Chinese and foreign enterprises.
The second edition of CISCE is set to take place in Beijing from November 26 to 30, boasting expanded offerings and promising enhanced trade and investment opportunities.