On the evening of September 27, the New Zealand Film Commission held a reception in Park Road Post, Wellington, to welcome the delegation of the China Film Co. Ltd. headed by Chairman of the Board, La Peikang. Over 80 people attended the event, including China's Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Lutong, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Minister of Economic Development, Steven Joyce,Minister of Culture and Heritage, Maggie Barry, New Zealand Film Commission Chief Executive Officer, Dave Gibson, and film directors Peter Jackson and James Cameron.
Addressing the reception, Ambassador Wang noted that China and New Zealand have made remarkable progress in the area of cultural exchanges, especially in the film and television industry. Sixteen projects have been concluded between China and New Zealand on movie and TV program co-production, including the 'Beast of Burdon' and the 'Harvest Season of Persimmons'. The Chinese film delegation's visit to New Zealand is conducive to deepening mutual understanding of the film industries in both countries and to gaining new cooperative results by further expanding the scope of cooperation.
Prime Minister John Key extended his warm welcome to the Chinese film delegation. Mr Key spoke highly of the China - New Zealand relationship and lauded the rapid development of China's film industry. He noted that the New Zealand Government values cultural exchanges with China and is expecting a more in-depth and extensive cooperation between the film industries of the two countries.
Chairman La Peikang expressed his gratitude for the hospitality rendered to the delegation from the New Zealand Film Commission. Mr La briefed the guests on the China Film Co. Ltd. and the development of China's film industry. During the visit, the delegation has understood the great importance that the New Zealand Government attaches to cooperation and exchanges with China's film industry and that it has supportive policies in place for the development of the local film industry. The delegation also learnt about New Zealand's filmmaking expertise. This will help further expand bilateral cooperation and exchanges to benefit the people of both countries.