New Zealand businesspeople: May New Zealand and China work together to explore and deepen economic and trade cooperation | World View New Zealand | China | Two Countries
Beijing, June 30th (Xinhua) - New Zealand Prime Minister Johns Hopkins made an official visit to China from June 25th to 30th, marking the first visit by a New Zealand Prime Minister to China since 2019. One of the most influential business associations in New Zealand, the CEO of the New Zealand Employers and Manufacturers Association, Aubrey, stated in an interview with China News Service that the visit of the New Zealand Prime Minister coincides with the timing and is a good opportunity for the two countries to look ahead to the future, injecting new impetus into their economic and political relations.
He also mentioned that under the framework of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the bilateral free trade agreement, there are many opportunities for cooperation between the two countries that need to be explored.
Aubrey pointed out that the Prime Minister of New Zealand is leading a large-scale delegation, consisting of representatives from various fields such as catering, international education, digital games, meat products, dairy products, horticulture, tourism, etc. The delegation includes some well-known figures, hoping to attract more Chinese investment.
The international trade data for the first quarter of 2023 released by the National Bureau of Statistics of New Zealand on June 2 shows that China remains New Zealand's largest trading partner and export destination. In the first quarter, the total bilateral trade in goods and services between New Zealand and China was SGD 9.38 billion, of which New Zealand exported SGD 5.29 billion to China and imported SGD 4.09 billion from China.
Aubrey mentioned that with the continuous development of New Zealand China relations, New Zealand has gained a deeper understanding of the Chinese market. More and more New Zealand exported products are undergoing localization improvements to adapt to the taste of the Chinese public. This trip also includes representatives from the digital gaming field who specifically came to China to learn about the adjustment of its regulatory policies, in order to better expand the Chinese market.
Aubrey mentioned an old saying, "Let's work together in the same boat.". He believes that New Zealand, with its diversified economy, has the potential to cooperate with more Chinese enterprises. Therefore, every meeting between the leaders of New Zealand and China is an opportunity for mutual learning and learning, injecting new impetus into bilateral relations.
On January 1, 2022, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement officially came into effect, with six ASEAN member countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and four non ASEAN member countries including China, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia officially beginning to implement the agreement.
This free trade agreement, which covers the largest population and has the greatest development potential in the world, in the view of O'Brien, has brought more potential cooperation opportunities for China and New Zealand. He specifically mentioned China's horticultural and clean technology industries, believing that New Zealand urgently needs to learn from China's experience.
Ou Baili pointed out that the cherry indoor cultivation technology of Chinese companies has left a deep impression on him. In the context of climate change, this technology is crucial for ensuring food security, and in New Zealand, this technology is still in its early stages. Therefore, they hope that both sides can learn and learn from each other in horticultural research and development technology, and encourage potential investments.
In addition, Oberlie is very optimistic about the potential for cooperation between the two countries in clean technology. "China has made tremendous progress in clean technologies such as solar energy, electric vehicles, and battery technology, and the entire Asia Pacific region is striving to reduce carbon footprint and improve environmental quality. Therefore, we are focusing on seeking more opportunities for cooperation.".
Finally, Oberlie mentioned that it hopes that China will work together with other countries in the Asia Pacific region to reduce carbon footprint and share opportunities for green development.