China’s Li Signals Rising Demand for NZ Dairy and Meat
Increased Demand from China for NZ Products
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Governor General Cindy Kiro welcomed Chinese Premier Li Qiang with a traditional Maori ceremony and an honor guard in Wellington. The meeting took place at the official residence of the Governor-General on June 13, 2024. The visit underscores the importance of the relationship between the two countries.
WELLINGTON, June 14 (Reuters) – There is a notable increase in demand from China’s for high-quality dairy, beef, and lamb products from New Zealand, Premier Li Qiang announced on Friday. This statement came during the second day of his visit to the Pacific island nation.
Strengthening Trade Ties
Li’s visit, which includes a subsequent four-day stopover in Australia starting Saturday, aims to bolster trade and diplomatic ties with these Pacific nations. China’s holds the position of the largest trading partner for both New Zealand and Australia.
During his visit, Li toured the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research in Auckland. This government agency focuses on advancing the farming, food, and beverage sectors. He also attended meetings and a dinner with business leaders, academics, and diplomats.
Emerging Business Opportunities
Li emphasized the potential for new business opportunities in energy, information technology, biomedicine, and other emerging industries, as reported by China’s state media. He reiterated China’s commitment to working with New Zealand to enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership. Increased cooperation in services trade and cross-border e-commerce was also highlighted as a priority.
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His remarks came amidst rising tensions after Chinese firms requested an anti-dumping probe into pork imports from the European Union. This move followed the EU’s imposition of anti-subsidy duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles, putting global food companies on alert for potential retaliatory tariffs from China’s.
Bilateral Agreements and Market Expansion
On Thursday, New Zealand and China signed bilateral agreements on trade and climate, marking the highest level Chinese visit to New Zealand in seven years. Premier Li has assured that Beijing will further expand market access, create a market-oriented and internationalized business environment, and encouraged entrepreneurs to seize these opportunities.
Beijing considers itself integral to Prime Minister Luxon’s plan to double New Zealand’s exports over the next decade. Currently, China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly NZ$38 billion (US$23.27 billion).
Despite the desire to boost trade ties, New Zealand has adopted a tougher stance over the past year. It has accused Beijing of hacking its parliament and expressed concerns about what it perceives as a growing Chinese threat to Pacific security.
Diplomatic and Trade Discussions
After his meeting with Li, Prime Minister Luxon stated that, alongside trade discussions, he addressed concerns regarding Chinese interference. However, a scheduled meeting between Li and New Zealand opposition leader Chris Hipkins was cancelled due to Hipkins facing travel issues.
Premier Li’s visit to New Zealand underscores the ongoing importance of the relationship between the two countries and highlights the potential for expanded trade and business opportunities in the future.