New Zealand (Commonwealth)_New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins emphasized the importance of engagement and dialogue with China during his speech at the 9th Annual China Business Summit held in Auckland. Hipkins acknowledged the remarkable success of New Zealand’s export story to China, which has been driven by the Free Trade Agreement established in 2008. With bilateral trade reaching over 40 billion NZ dollars today, China has become New Zealand’s largest offshore market and a significant consumer market.
Hipkins expressed New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening economic, trade, and environmental cooperation with China. He highlighted the need for collaboration between the two countries in addressing critical global issues such as climate change and environmental protection, considering it to be in New Zealand’s best interests. During his recent visit to China, Hipkins secured an agreement to enhance policy engagement on e-vehicles, recognizing China as an essential supply market for New Zealand as it transitions to a low carbon economy. Ongoing dialogues between China and New Zealand on green finance, forestry, emissions trading schemes, and regular ministerial discussions were also mentioned.
The prime minister underscored New Zealand’s appreciation for China’s leadership in the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a significant achievement in setting global goals to combat biodiversity loss by 2030. This speech marked Hipkins’ first attendance at a China-themed political and business event since assuming office in January, demonstrating the significance New Zealand places on its relationship with China.
Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand, Wang Xiaolong, praised Prime Minister Hipkins’ visit to China as a milestone in bilateral relations, highlighting the shared consensus on the continued development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The partnership has yielded tangible benefits and exhibits enormous potential for further growth.
The Annual China Business Summit brought together around 500 participants from the political and business spheres of New Zealand and China. Notably, Auckland Airport has experienced a remarkable recovery in connectivity between the two countries since China’s reopening, with 27 weekly flights operating between four Chinese cities and Auckland—an 86 percent recovery in capacity. Renowned filmmaker Richard Taylor, co-founder of Weta Workshop and known for his work on “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, also expressed his appreciation for China’s contributions to the film industry.
Overall, the summit showcased the shared commitment of New Zealand and China to fostering stronger ties, exploring new avenues of cooperation, and benefiting the people of both nations.
