“One Belt, One Road” – a new focus for NZ/China co-operation?

The NZ China Council joined with the Asia New Zealand Foundation to discuss the ways in which New Zealand could co-operate with China on President Xi Jinping’s “One belt, One road” and “Maritime Silk Road” initiatives.

There has been a good deal of coverage of OBOR but less focus on what the implications are for New Zealand and our nearer neighbours in the Pacific. Yet eight of our top twenty export markets are located along the One Belt, One Road; and half of our top twenty export markets have signed up for OBOR projects. China now sees infrastructure development as a lever to bolster trade flows and has backed up the initiative with significant new funding for infrastructure projects.

Held under Chatham House rule, the event involved brought together members of the business and academic community who are thinking strategically about this issue. These invitees are influencing the way in which New Zealand is approaching OBOR.

Participants shared their perspectives on what OBOR might mean for New Zealand.

Council Executive Director Stephen Jacobi said “This event was a great opportunity to take stock of where the action on OBOR currently rests, and what the opportunities there might be in the future. The Council will continue to work closely with the Asia New Zealand Foundation to develop an action plan to carry forward our interest in this key Chinese initiative.”