China, NZ agree to scale up trade ties

Cooperation also expected in new energy vehicles, e-commerce, green economy

China and New Zealand have agreed to scale up bilateral trade and bolster cooperation in e-commerce, trade in services, the green economy and establish a dialogue mechanism for new energy vehicles, according to a joint statement released by the two countries on Wednesday.

The joint statement came after talks between Premier Li Qiang and New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in Beijing.

New Zealand supports China's efforts to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership as well as Beijing's participation in ongoing talks over China's joining the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, the statement said.

Li, who hosted a welcoming ceremony for Hipkins at a red carpet ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, said that China will become more open, and the nation stands ready to share with New Zealand opportunities from its high-quality development.

He called upon both nations to forge new drivers for growth in emerging sectors, jointly champion free trade and support cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, saying that bilateral cooperation on education and tourism must be advanced to build up people-to-people exchanges.

Hipkins said his country remains steadfast in following the one-China policy and looks forward to opportunities from China's greater strides in opening-up. He urged better bilateral communication and coordination over issues related to Pacific Island countries, and urged joint efforts to promote economic recovery and the response to climate change.

Hipkins also extended an invitation for more Chinese entrepreneurs, tourists and students to go to New Zealand.

The two nations signed agreements to improve cooperation on agriculture and quarantine requirements for the export of kiwi fruit from New Zealand to China.

China is the largest export market and source of imports for New Zealand, with bilateral trade volume reaching $25.15 billion in 2022, up 1.8 percent year-on-year.