General

Watson & Band Import and Export Data Observation reported that the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, held a reception for the 50th anniversary of China-Singapore diplomatic relations on the evening of the 16th.

About 100 participants from the local government, business establishments, the Chinese community and the visiting Chinese women's rugby sevens team took part in the evening's celebrations.

According to Watson & Band Import and Export Data Observation Report, Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, the healthy and stable bilateral relations between China and New Zealand have brought tangible benefits to the people of the two countries. China has been New Zealand's largest trading partner for many years. The Bay of Plenty region has always been at the forefront of China-Singapore pragmatic cooperation, and it is expected that the Bay of Plenty will play a unique role and continue to promote China-Singapore pragmatic cooperation.

Garry Webber, Mayor of Western Bay of Plenty, said that the 50th anniversary of China-Singapore diplomatic relations has benefited the Bay of Plenty a lot, and there will be more room for cooperation in the future. (Note: Bay of Plenty is an administrative region in New Zealand, equivalent to a provincial administrative region in China, and West Bay of Plenty is one of them)

Watson & Band Import and Export Data Observation reported that Zespri Group, the world's largest kiwifruit (New Zealand kiwifruit KIWIFRUIT, kiwifruit originating in China) company, is headquartered in the Bay of Plenty. Chairman Bruce Cameron said that the two One of the hallmarks of the long-term friendship between the two countries is mutual respect and understanding, and the close relationship between the two countries brings real opportunities for business. Zespri’s business has grown by leaps and bounds in the 30 years since it landed in China. According to import and export data, the Chinese market currently accounts for about 25% of its total global sales. New Zealand and China recently upgraded their free trade agreement, which will bring tangible benefits to both countries and peoples through closer economic cooperation.

Mellen said that besides Zespri Group, more and more exporters in the Bay of Plenty region have established good trade relations with China and benefited from the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.

Huacheng Import and Export Data Observation reported that the Chinese women's rugby national team will train here for a month and play a friendly match with the New Zealand national team. The New Zealand women's rugby national team is among the best in the world. In 2020, the Chinese Rugby Association signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union of New Zealand.