China Business Summit 2018

New Zealand China Council was a proud sponsor of China Business Summit 2018, which took place in Auckland on 14 May.

The focus of this year’s Summit was “Eyes Wide Open”. The day’s event included hearing from major Kiwi and Chinese companies about how they are faring in each other’s markets; looking at the ability for Kiwi firms to use digital e-commerce platforms to access rapidly changing Chinese consumer markets and examining the potential to harness Chinese capital and expertise to help build infrastructure.

In her keynote Address, the Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern said: “ The China-New Zealand relationship is in great shape. Politically we are in close touch. Economically we are doing great things together. And our people-to-people links are growing day by day. In fact, given our size difference and the geographical distance between us, we really have led the world in many ways by developing a relationship that brings great benefit to both sides. But it’s not enough just for me to say this. It will take continued perseverance on both sides for it to continue.”

Stephen Jacobi, Executive Director of the New Zealand China Council joined the panel discussion: The New Zealand political landscape – What does it mean for business, trade and investment with China? Highlighting the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative, Stephen said: “ If we want China to engage with us on what’s meaningful for us, we need to engage with China on what’s meaningful for China. We need to find innovative ways to engage on the Belt and Road Initiative.”

The Council also sponsored the participation of award-winning China correspondent Rowan Callick who spoke about the political landscape in China’s new era.