On December 5, Ambassador Wang Xiaolong attended the "Vision 2026" forum in Auckland and delivered a keynote speech. The event was attended by over 400 representatives from the political and business sectors of both China and New Zealand, including New Zealand’s Finance Minister Nicola Willis, Trade Minister Todd McClay, Labour Party Leader and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, former Speaker David Carter, Consul General of China in Auckland Chen Shijie, Consul General of China in Christchurch He Ying, and President of the China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand Hu Beihai.
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Ambassador Wang stated that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was recently successfully convened, adopting recommendations for formulating the "15th Five-Year Plan." It emphasized that regardless of changes in the international landscape, China will remain focused on managing its own affairs well, continue to prioritize economic development, promote deeper reforms through high-level opening-up, and advance high-quality development, thereby bringing more stability and certainty to the global economy. Over the next five years, China will leverage the advantages of its socialist system, its vast market, its complete industrial system, and its abundant talent pool to pursue a path of innovative, green, and open development, sharing development opportunities with the world.
Ambassador Wang emphasized that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of China and New Zealand, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries has maintained strong momentum, delivering tangible benefits to both peoples. This year, high-level exchanges between China and New Zealand have continued, injecting new vitality into bilateral relations. China has always regarded New Zealand as a friend and partner and is willing to deepen and expand exchanges and cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual benefit, a focus on collaboration, and benefits for the people.
Ambassador Wang pointed out that unlocking the full potential of China-New Zealand cooperation requires joint efforts to create an open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment for mutually beneficial collaboration. He suggested strengthening cooperation in areas such as green energy, technological innovation, infrastructure, and upholding the multilateral trading system. As the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership enters its second decade, both sides should strive for greater progress in bilateral relations and better serve the interests of their peoples.
Willis noted that China is one of New Zealand’s most important international partners and ties with China are crucial to New Zealand’s future. The current government focuses on economic growth, encourages innovation, simplifies cumbersome procedures, and provides returns for investing enterprises. New Zealand will actively promote cooperation with China in artificial intelligence, infrastructure, renewable energy, and other fields.
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McClay stated that the high-quality free trade agreement with China has greatly facilitated the growth of bilateral trade. China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 20% of New Zealand’s exports and more than 16% of its imports. He has led delegations to the China International Import Expo multiple times with significant results and believes China will continue to play a vital role in the New Zealand government’s "doubling export value in 10 years" plan. New Zealand welcomes investors from all countries, including China.
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Hipkins emphasized that New Zealand-China relations are crucial not only for New Zealand’s economic development but also for its cultural richness. The partnership with China is built on mutual respect, dialogue, and decades of practical cooperation, contributing to the shared prosperity of both countries. He looks forward to establishing new partnerships in advanced manufacturing, innovation, services, and green technology.
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The "Vision" series of forums are China-New Zealand economic and trade exchange events organized by the China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand, with the support of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand and the Consulates General in Auckland and Christchurch. Since its inception six years ago, the forum has become an important platform for fostering consensus between the political and business sectors of both countries and promoting practical bilateral cooperation.
Photo by Vicky Lu