News:
On 30 May 2024, MFAT Deputy Secretary Deborah Geels met virtually with her counterpart, Chinese Ministry of Commerce Vice Minister Wang Shouwen for the 33rd New Zealand-China Joint Trade and Economic Commission.
The Joint Trade and Economic Commission is a long-standing and important element of our bilateral trade and economic architecture. The annual meetings have taken place since 1975, providing a regular opportunity for senior officials to canvas our wide-ranging economic and trade relationship.
During the meeting, Deputy Secretary Geels and Vice Minister Wang discussed the range in the trade and economic relationship, including cooperation under and opportunities in the New Zealand-China FTA. China’s applications to accede to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership were also discussed. Officials also exchanged views on global and regional trade issues, including developments at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and the World Trade Organisation and in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Both sides also discussed opportunities in our trade and economic relationship, including important areas for cooperation such as agriculture, climate change, environment, and in our services trade such as education and tourism. They noted and welcomed the visit to New Zealand by Chinese Premier Li Qiang.