Chongqing — The China (Chongqing) - New Zealand Economic and Trade Matchmaking Conference was held in Chongqing on September 14, bringing together government officials and business representatives to explore new opportunities in areas ranging from food and agriculture to advanced manufacturing and cross-border logistics.
The China (Chongqing) - New Zealand Economic and Trade Matchmaking Conference was held in Chongqing on September 14. (Photo/Chen Zhan)
Ye Lina, deputy director general of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, remarked that the two economies have strong industrial and market complementarities. Consumer goods, agricultural technology and green, low-carbon infrastructure were among the areas with strong potential for further cooperation.
For instance, New Zealand dairy products, beef, lamb and health products have long been well recognized by Chinese consumers, while Chongqing is looking to expand overseas markets for products including high-end motorcycles, agricultural machinery and specialty foods.
Ye said businesses could make greater use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement to improve supply-chain efficiency. Such arrangements could help bring more premium New Zealand products into western China while giving Chongqing-made goods greater access to consumers in New Zealand and other regional markets.
For New Zealand businesses, the conference also offered an opportunity to highlight the country's strengths beyond food and agriculture. Jane Li, managing director of Innovation Media, said New Zealand, as the first developed economy to sign a free-trade agreement with China, benefits from a relatively mature bilateral trade framework. Li added that the country's reputation for food safety, quality and product provenance remains an important advantage in premium categories such as food, health products and infant nutrition.
Wine offers one example of how New Zealand businesses are developing their advantageous presence in China. Derrick Liu, managing director of Vinea Vitae, said China remained a core export market for the company, which currently provides consulting and export-management services to 15 New Zealand vineyards. It works with nine importers across eight Chinese provinces and municipalities, handling about 6 million yuan (about 840,000 U.S. dollars) in annual exports.
The conference brings together government officials and business representatives from China and New Zealand to explore new opportunities. (Photo/Chen Zhan)
Beyond individual products, Chongqing in Southwest China is positioning its international transport network as part of the bilateral trade equation. Xie Jiexia, deputy director of the marketing department at International Land-Sea Corridor Operation Co., Ltd., said China had remained New Zealand's largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years, creating further room for cooperation through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.
The company plans to strengthen communication with New Zealand partners, expand rail-sea intermodal services and improve end-to-end logistics efficiency. It also aims to develop stronger two-way cargo flows, bringing more New Zealand products into western China while helping manufacturers in Chongqing and other parts of western China reach overseas markets more efficiently.