Growing Chinese demand for New Zealand dairy products: premier Li Qiang highlights bilateral opportunities

On June 14, Premier Li visited the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research in Auckland, a government agency focused on advancing the farming, food, and beverage industries. This visit included meetings and a dinner with business leaders, academics, and diplomats, highlighting the importance of the trip.

Li underscored the potential for expanded bilateral business opportunities in energy, information technology, biomedicine, and other emerging industries. He reiterated China's commitment to enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership with New Zealand and stressed the need for increased cooperation in services trade and cross-border e-commerce.

This trip also included the signing of bilateral agreements on trade and climate, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations. Premier Li assured that Beijing will continue to expand market access and foster a market-oriented and internationalized business environment, encouraging entrepreneurs to seize new opportunities.

China remains New Zealand's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly NZ$38 billion (US$23.27 billion). New Zealand aims to further boost trade ties with China while also addressing concerns over issues such as cybersecurity and regional security.

Premier Li's visit to New Zealand is part of a broader tour that includes a four-day stop in Australia, reflecting China's strategic efforts to strengthen ties with key Pacific nations.

Photo: AFP/Brett Phibbs