Invited by Mayor Grant Smith, HE Ambassador Wang Xiaolong went to Palmerston North on June 23, and visited Massey University, FoodHQ and Fonterra Research and Development Center.
Group Photo of Ambassador Wang with Vice-Chancellor Jane Thomas of Massey University
During his visit to Massey University, Amb Wang was welcomed by an introduction meeting on the university’s general development, international exchanges and cooperation with China, and had an overview of the teaching, scientific research, and achievements of school-enterprise cooperation of Massey University.
Vice-Chancellor Jan Thomas commended China’s importance for Massey University, and Chinese students’ significance for cultural diversity of the campus. She also expressed her wish to resume two-way visits between teachers and students soon after the pandemic, and deepen cooperation in teaching and scientific research with Chinese partner universities.
Amb Wang emphasized that Massey University was a first-class and world-renowned university with high level of teaching and scientific research achievements in fields of agriculture and animal sciences, and with outstanding accomplishment in transforming scientific technologies to serve local economic and social development. Amb Wang encouraged Massey University to continue strengthening partnership with Chinese universities, and creating new highlights in advantageous disciplines.
Amb Wang also visited Massey FoodPilot workshop, Massey farms and the School of Aviation, and met with the representatives of Chinese students at Massey University.
Ambassador Wang Visited Massey University Farm
Ambassador Wang Visited the Flight Operations Center of School of Aviation, Massey University
Group Photo of Ambassador Wang with Representatives of Chinese Students at School of Aviation, Massey University
Ambassador Wang Met with Ms. Abby Thompson, CEO of FoodHQ
When visiting FoodHQ, a food innovation platform in Palmerston North, Amb Wang met with CEO Ms. Abby Thompson and listened to the briefing on the organizational structure, development goals, business model, and its commitment to building a university-industry collaboration platform to help food companies find the best applied scientific and technological achievements. Amb Wang praised the company for integrating scientific and technological resources in the region, sharing innovation achievements with local enterprises, and achieving win-win development, and emphasized that China has growing technological capacity, solid industrial base and broad market space, which will create boundless opportunities for food innovation cooperation between China and New Zealand.
Ambassador Wang Met with Mr. Pierre Venter, General Manager of Fonterra Research and Development Center
Ambassador Wang Visited Fonterra Research and Development Center Facilities
Amb Wang visited Fonterra Research and Development Center (FRDC), met with Mr. Pierre Venter, General Manager of FRDC, and toured the Food Microbiology and Food Safety Laboratory, the New Product R&D Laboratory and the Pilot Plant.
After listening to the 95 years history of FRDC, four major areas of expertise, the product research and development for the Chinese market, and carbon-neutral technological innovation plan, Amb Wang praised Fonterra's business philosophy of focusing on quality, innovation, research and development, and long-term commitment to the market of China. Amb Wang pointed out that the brand image of Fonterra has been well recognized by Chinese consumers and helped shaping a positive national branding for New Zealand in China. He also encouraged Fonterra to continue leveraging its advantages to better meet the diversified needs of Chinese consumers and provide impetus to the green, low-carbon and high-quality development of China’s dairy industry.
Ambassador Wang Met with Grant Smith, Mayor of Palmerston North
Amb Wang concluded his visit with a meeting with Grant Smith, Mayor of Palmerston North. Through site visits to Massey University, FoodHQ and Fonterra Research and Development Center, Amb Wang was deeply impressed by the vitality and prospects of Palmerston North, attributable largely to the cooperation and interaction between the municipality and the university and relevant institutions.
Grant Smith introduced the friendly cooperation between Palmerston North and sister cities in China including Guiyang and Kunshan, and the city's long-term plan to expand cooperation with Chinese localities. He also briefed about the city council plans regarding nationwide logistics center, high quality aging care services, and international education and tourism cooperation.
Amb Wang expressed appreciation to the city council for promoting multiculturalism, attracting Chinese students and tourists, and supporting the development of the Chinese communities. Amb Wang highly commended the roles of the Chinese diaspora and students in promoting the economic and social development of the city and the friendly cooperation between China and New Zealand, regarding them as “permanent ambassadors” for bilateral friendly relationship.
According to Amb Wang, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and New Zealand, and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the relationship between Guiyang city and Palmerston North. Through the joint efforts of both sides, the two countries have created many “firsts” in China’s relations with western developed countries. Likewise, local-level cooperation between Palmerston North and relevant regions in China has also created and contributed to the creation of many a “firsts”. As an important part of China-New Zealand overall pragmatic cooperation, local level cooperation has played an important role in promoting the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. The Chinese Embassy will actively support Palmerston North in expanding friendly and cooperative relations with the sister cities of Guiyang and Kunshan, exploring the market of China, and deepening cooperation with Chinese enterprises, with a view to pooling the strengths of relevant parties for mutual benefits and win-win results.
The two sides also exchanged views on the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the relationship between Palmerston North and Guiyang.