In a significant move towards deepening international collaboration, Chinese Premier Li Qiang made his first visit to New Zealand in seven years, landing in Wellington on Thursday. This visit marks the beginning of his three-nation tour, which also includes stops in Australia and Malaysia.
Premier Li expressed enthusiasm for enhancing exchanges across various sectors, emphasizing the potential for robust cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, technology, and cultural exchanges. New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed him warmly, describing the visit as a 'great privilege and a great honor.'
The traditional indigenous Maori ceremony that greeted Premier Li underscored Wellington's commitment to strengthening ties with the Chinese mainland. Despite the geographical distance, the China-New Zealand relationship remains a cornerstone of China's engagement with developed nations.
Trade was a central theme of the discussions, with China being New Zealand's largest trading partner, boasting over NZ$38 billion in two-way trade. China's role as the top export market, accounting for more than 26 percent of New Zealand's goods exports, highlights the immense opportunities available.
One standout example is the kiwifruit industry. With China being the fastest-growing market for Zespri International Limited, the world's leading kiwifruit marketer, New Zealand exporters are poised to benefit from the rising demand for high-quality products as China's middle-income population continues to expand.
The agreements signed during Premier Li's visit, along with the initiation of negotiations on services trade, aim to remove barriers and facilitate smoother market access for New Zealand businesses in China. Additionally, Wellington's invitation to participate as a guest country at the upcoming China International Import Expo in Shanghai this November is set to open further avenues for New Zealand firms.
These developments align with New Zealand's ambitious target of doubling its exports by value within the next decade, signaling a promising future for bilateral trade relations and economic growth.
Reference(s):
Beijing-Wellington ties set model of cooperation amid differences
cgtn.com
