China Council meets with members of China’s National People’s Congress

This week the New Zealand China Council had a roundtable discussion with members of the National People’s Congress (NPC). Their visit to New Zealand was organised by the Chinese Consulate in Auckland, with Mme. Yan Junqi, Vice-Chairwoman of the NPC Standing Committee leading the delegation.

Stephen Jacobi, Executive Director of the New Zealand China Council, Martin Thomson, Chairman of New Zealand China Trade Association, Dr Stephen Noakes from the University of Auckland and Mr George Andrews from New Zealand China Friendship Society attended the discussion.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative was a major topic for the roundtable. Stephen Jacobi noted the imperative for New Zealand to take an active role in contributing to the Belt and Road. “We need to take part in a way that matches our interests, our values and, especially, our comparative advantages. Areas where New Zealand can contribute to Belt and Road initiative include trade facilitation, supply chain connectivity, innovation and co-operation in the creative sector,” Mr Jacobi said.