New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon started his official visit to China in Shanghai on Wednesday, leading a delegation of senior officials and business leaders to explore potential collaboration opportunities with its largest trading partner.
Luxon's visit marks his first trip to China since taking office in November 2023. His delegation includes top New Zealand companies including Fonterra, Zespri, A2 Milk, and Silver Fern Farms.
At a business event hosted by New Zealand's biggest dairy cooperative Fonterra, Luxon celebrated the group's recognition of a new ‘grass-fed standard’ and promoted his country's premium meat and milk products.
"When consumers choose New Zealand, we want them to have full confidence about the products from New Zealand that they're buying. That's why this new ‘grass-fed standard’ delivers. It sets a very, very clear standard and a benchmark that provides assurance to you as the consumers," he said.
The China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement means all New Zealand dairy products have been able to enter China without tariffs or limits since January 2024. This gives New Zealand dairy companies more chances to grow in the Chinese market.
"An economy like China that, you know, continues to grow at a time when the rest of the world is actually slowing down somewhat, but you're seeing significant growth in the Chinese economy. So, their growing middle class, and people are looking for safe, nutritious food to know where it comes from. And so, the ‘grass-fed standard’ underpinning all of that is something that we see as a huge opportunity for us to work with our customers, consumers in this market to grow further," said Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell.
"The introduction of this standard presents an advanced concept for global dairy products. Fonterra's dairy products have been very popular in China's Western cuisine and catering industry since entering the market," said Yang Liu, president of the China Cuisine Association.
Luxon also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between China Eastern Airlines and Auckland Airport on launching the Shanghai-Auckland-South America route. The Prime Minister said that airline cooperation is key to boosting tourism between China, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and even South America.
"China Eastern has announced it will launch this new route in December, the first airline to do so. It's a smart strategic move that strengthens our links with two major regions, and reinforces Auckland's role as a world class transit hub. We are really excited to see two global growth regions, China and South America, being linked through Auckland,” said Luxon.
After wrapping up his visit to Shanghai, the prime minister will continue on to Beijing, for meetings and talks with Chinese leaders on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern.
New Zealand PM kicks off China visit
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
