The New Zealand-China Business Council Forum, jointly hosted by China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC), New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and New Zealand China Trade Association, was held in Auckland on July 5. The forum attracted more than 120 delegates from the Chinese business community from New Zealand and China.

Officials from CCOIC, Chinese embassy to New Zealand and senior manager of China Mengniu Dairy Company, one of China’s largest manufacturing and distribution of dairy products attended and addressed the forum.

Vice President of CCOIC Yin Zonghua said, China-New Zealand bilateral trade has witnessed rapid growth since the two countries signed a free trade agreement. China has become the largest trade partner and export market, the third largest import destination of New Zealand. New Zealand-China Business Council, jointly initiated by CCOIC and many Chinese enterprises, is an important mechanism platform for promoting the bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

“We hope more companies from both countries can join in the business council to boost bilateral economic and trade cooperation. CCPIT and CCOIC are willing to strengthen cooperation with relevant agencies in New Zealand to build more platforms, offer more services, and create more trade and investment opportunities for enterprises of both sides, contributing to boosting the bilateral business ties,” added Yin.

Commercial Counselor Huang Yuefeng from the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand said, the economic and trade relations between China and New Zealand are close and have achieved progress. China’s reform and opening up and the Belt and Road Initiative have brought big opportunities for the economic and trade development of the two countries. Huang hoped the enterprises of the two countries can seize the opportunities to make all-out efforts to boost bilateral trade ties and achieve mutual benefits and win-win progress.

Lu Minfang, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of China Mengniu Dairy Company said, the establishment of New Zealand-China Business Council can further promote trade and investment facilitation and the comprehensive development of the bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Mengniu is willing to share its successful business experience in New Zealand with other Chinese enterprises and bring more benefits for the bilateral trade by favor of the business council. Company delegates from both countries also discussed about the new business opportunities in dairy industry, etc.