President of CCCNZ Wang Jiazheng, 

Chairman of NZCTA Martin Thomson,  

MP Naisi Chen and MP Melissa Lee,

Distinguished guests and friends,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to join you online. Let me begin by extending my warm congratulations on the Opening Ceremony of 2022 New Zealand Guangdong Products Expo& GBA Global Investment Promotion Conference, and my heartfelt appreciation to the business communities for their long-standing support for and active participation in the development of bilateral relations between our two countries.

Not long ago, the 20th National Congress of the CPC was successfully concluded, drawing wide attention both at home and from abroad. The congress took place at a critical time as China is embarking on a new journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing toward the Second Centenary Goal. It is a milestone of significant and far-reaching importance in the Chinese nation’s march toward the great rejuvenation. It tells the world that no matter how the global landscape may evolve, China’s resolve to pursue reform and opening-up stands firm, China’s resolve to open up at a high standard stands firm, and the door of China will only open wider to the world. As China is actively working for joining CPTPP and DEPA, a more open Chinese market will provide greater development opportunities for the world, and bring benefits to people of all countries including New Zealand. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-New Zealand diplomatic ties, an important milestone for both sides. Over the past five decades, ties between China and New Zealand have stood the test of time and made substantial advances. Under the strategic stewardship of the leaders from both countries, we have deepened political mutual trust, strengthened exchanges at all levels, consolidated people-to-people friendship, and achieved fruitful cooperation in various fields. All of these further enriched our comprehensive strategic partnership. Over the past five decades, our bilateral trade has increased from NZD7 million to NZD37.7 billion in 2021. Bilateral economic and trade cooperation has expanded from trade in goods to trade in services, investment, scientific and technological cooperation, digital economy, green economy and other fields. New Zealand consumers have easy access to high-quality mechanical and electrical products and a wide range of textiles, clothing, shoes and hats and other daily necessities from China, meeting household demands for diversity and quality. This year, the entry into force of RCEP and the China-New Zealand FTA Upgrade Protocol has further injected new momentum into our bilateral cooperation. According to Stats NZ, in the first three quarters of this year, our bilateral trade maintained growth momentum and rose by 13.3 percent year-on-year to NZD29.2 billion. China remains New Zealand's largest export market and source of imports.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Guangdong Province is a pioneer of China’s reform and opening-up, whose economic output has been ranking first for more than 30 years. Guangdong is now speeding up the development of pilot free trade zones, the Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Greater Bay Area and actively building world-class city clusters, working toward new heights in reform and opening-up. In recent years, ties between New Zealand and Guangdong enjoy steady development while practical cooperation has expanded. Three pairs of sister cities have been forged at city level. The Canton Fair attracts participants from New Zealand every year, and you will easily find products from Guangdong in many New Zealand cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. According to Chinese statistics, the 2021 trade in goods between Guangdong and New Zealand reached 3.53 billion USD, up 23.6% year-on-year. I believe, with these good foundations, the economic and trade cooperation between Guangdong and New Zealand have vast potential.

Today’s Expo is the first large-scale exposition held by the Chinese Community in New Zealand to promote bilateral trade and serve local Chinese enterprises. It is also the largest-scale exhibition and promotion of Guangdong’s commodities in New Zealand since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has attracted buyers not only from New Zealand, but also from countries in the South Pacific region. After the Expo, all the exhibits will be displayed in offline stores and the online platform of Guangdong Commodity Exhibition Center. Ancillary facilities including a giant overseas warehouse and a logistics team will be specially equipped to provide convenient services such as online sales and payment. I believe, these will bring more business opportunities to New Zealand and South Pacific enterprises. I hope that the organizers do well in organization and regulation, ensure the orderly operation and security of this event, provide excellent service to visitors and exhibitors and make this Expo a first-rate event of high standards, making new contributions to the high-quality and sustainable development of bilateral trade.

Finally, I wish this expo a full success and the China-New Zealand economic and trade relations continue to progress, and yield greater benefits to our two peoples.