Ren Hongbin, chairman of both the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC), wrapped up a delegation’s trip to New Zealand. During the visit, the delegation engaged in the New Zealand-China Business Assembly Forum and conducted a roadshow for the upcoming second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE). As a result, various agreements were inked, including a memorandum of cooperation and letters of intent for involvement in the forthcoming expo slated for November.
Comprised of more than 80 delegates hailing from the CCPIT, regional and industry promotion entities, as well as corporations, this recent delegation to New Zealand stands as the largest of its kind from China in years. Throughout their visit, the delegates actively participated in nearly 150 business discussions and promotional activities alongside their counterparts from New Zealand. Of particular significance, the CCPIT, as the host of CISCE, successfully finalized numerous new cooperation agreements with organizations in New Zealand, underscoring the deepening business connections between the two nations.
Throughout the visit, Ren underscored the importance of bolstering collaborations between China and New Zealand across various sectors, including renewable and alternative energies, smart vehicles, sustainable agriculture, and health-oriented lifestyles. Additionally, the delegation had the opportunity to tour the facilities of prominent local enterprises such as Aunew and Yili's subsidiary, Oceania Dairy. Against the backdrop of the enduring relationship between New Zealand and China, which traces back to the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in December 1972, these discussions took place.
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. New Zealand’s independent foreign policy has been welcomed by Xi and fellow Chinese counterparts. Xi stated 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.
The CISCE functions as a global platform that integrates the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, facilitating connections between businesses of varying scales, industry experts, academic institutions, and research bodies. It serves as a conduit for interactions between Chinese and international enterprises. The upcoming second installment of CISCE, scheduled from November 26 to 30 in Beijing, is poised to feature expanded offerings and is expected to deliver heightened prospects for trade and investment.