News:
On 19 June 2023, MFAT Deputy Secretary Deborah Geels met with her counterpart, Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Vice Minister Wang Shouwen in Beijing for the 32nd New Zealand-China Joint Trade and Economic Commission. The meeting was held in person for the first time since 2018.
The Joint Trade and Economic Commission is a long-standing and important element of our bilateral trade and economic architecture. The meetings have taken place since 1975, providing a regular opportunity for our senior leaders to canvas our wide-ranging economic and trading relationship.
During the meeting, Deputy Secretary Geels and Vice Minister Wang discussed the New Zealand-China FTA Upgrade implementation, and China’s applications to accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). Officials also exchanged views on global and regional trade issues, including common interests in developments at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the World Trade Organisation.
Both sides also discussed opportunities to strengthen our trade and economic relationship, including important areas for cooperation such as agriculture, education, tourism, climate change and the environment. They noted and welcomed the forthcoming visit to China by the Rt Hon Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister of New Zealand.