A new customs-designated inspection facility at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Zhuhai Port officially began operations on 7 April 2025, processing its first inbound shipment of seafood products.
The shipment, which included bluefin tuna and lobsters from Australia and New Zealand, was transported via Hong Kong and Macao airports and entered the Chinese mainland through the bridge using dedicated logistics vehicles.
Authorities stated that a full customs inspection at the site can be completed in just 30 minutes. Spanning 3,500m2, the facility has been officially approved by the General Administration of Customs.
Wang Jianping, a representative from a Zhuhai-based fishery company, shared that their newly built cold storage facility near the port is now receiving goods. "Previously, our shipments had to be rerouted through Beijing, Shenzhen, or Guangzhou. Now, by entering through Hong Kong and storing the products directly in Zhuhai, we've significantly reduced both time and costs. It's a major advantage as we expand into the Greater Bay Area and beyond."
Since its launch, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has been a vital link in advancing regional integration. The latest upgrade, with the bridge's port now recognized by China Customs as an official regulatory zone, enables the direct import of goods with rapid access across the Bay Area via a "one-hour logistics circle."
Source: GD Today
New Zealand's newly appointed Ambassador to China, Jonathan Austin (above), recently visited Guangzhou. After arriving in China, he chose Guangzhou as his first stop outside Beijing since his assumption of office in China.
During the visit, both sides exchanged views on further strengthening economic and trade ties, as well as expanding cooperation in areas such as sister city ties, cultural tourism, science and technology education, and biomedicine.
Why Guangzhou?
"Because Guangzhou holds special significance for New Zealand," Ambassador Jonathan Austin explained.
"Today, nearly one in every 20 New Zealanders is of Chinese descent, with many tracing their roots back to Guangdong Province," said Ambassador Jonathan Austin. "Therefore, visiting the ancestral homeland of many Chinese New Zealanders as my first destination was particularly meaningful."
Ambassador Jonathan Austin highlighted Guangdong's crucial role in New Zealand-China trade, accounting for approximately one-fifth of the bilateral trade volume. So far, Guangdong Province has become the largest source of imports and the third-largest export province for New Zealand in China.
Another key reason for Ambassador Jonathan Austin's visit to Guangzhou is the sister city relationship between Auckland and Guangzhou. The two cities officially established their friendship-city ties in February 1989, which has since led to fruitful exchanges and cooperation.
"The image of Guangzhou I remember from around 1980 stands in stark contrast to what I see today. This transformation reflects the story of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and China's economic prosperity," remarked Ambassador Austin.
Guangzhou also reflects the broader engagement between New Zealand and China. In recent years, there have been frequent high-level visits, growing trade exchanges, and deepening people-to-people ties, with accelerating cooperation in fields such as biomedicine. At the New Zealand-China Business Partnerships Ceremony held in Guangzhou last November, eight New Zealand companies signed partnership agreements with their Chinese counterparts.
Looking forward to continued mutual engagement and shared progress
Ambassador Jonathan Austin emphasised that cultural, intellectual, and talent exchanges are key to strengthening bilateral relations. He mentioned the exhibition by Guangzhou sculptor Xu Hongfei in Auckland from January to February this year, which he personally attended. At the same time, New Zealand's Weta Workshop contributed to the creation of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology and Creativity Museum in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
"With the visa-free policy now in place for New Zealanders traveling to China, we are excited to welcome more Chinese visitors to New Zealand as well. However, much work remains to be done to make this a reality," Ambassador Jonathan Austin stated.
Concluding his visit to Guangzhou, the Ambassador wrote in the guestbook: "New Zealand and Guangzhou have a long history of friendship and cooperation. We look forward to continuing this positive partnership."
The Government is moving quickly to ratify the New Zealand–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) this year, to give Kiwi exporters options and greater certainty Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay announced.
“The NZ-UAE CEPA implementation bill passed its first reading in Parliament today,” Mr McClay says.
“New Zealand exporters are facing international headwinds with increased tariffs into the US.
“This week I met with my UAE counterpart Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Al Zeyoudi in Abu Dhabi, and we have agreed to enact the trade agreement with urgency so that businesses in our two countries can benefit from tariff elimination and sensible trade rules
“I’m grateful to the majority of parties in Parliament for their support of Kiwi exporters and this agreement, and will be working cross party to ensure New Zealand businesses have the certainty they need.
“The agreement will immediately eliminate duties on 98.5 per cent of New Zealand exports to the UAE, rising to 99 per cent within three years. It also secures improved access for services and reduces non-tariff barriers,” Mr McClay says.
The legislation to implement the agreement will now be considered by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee.
Both countries are working towards entry into force as soon as possible.
Fresh Carriers Co., Ltd (FCC) and Zespri have carried out the first kiwifruit charter powered by a low-emissions fuel, with the vessel Kowhai docking recently at Nangang Port in Shanghai.
The Kowhai is Zespri’s first charter shipment for the Greater China region for the 2025/26 season and arrived last night after departing Tauranga in mid-March. It continues the trial work Zespri and FCC are undertaking, following on from a technical performance trial undertaken last year.
With biofuel not available in New Zealand, the vessel bunkered the biofuel in Hong Kong before sailing south to Tauranga where it was loaded with 1.2 million trays or around 5,400 tonnes of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit, as well as 16 containers of Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit for customers in Greater China. On its journey north, the Kowhai was powered by a blend of biofuel made from used cooking oil.
Along with FCC, the successful biofuel charter has been made possible with support from PFS Cold Chain Logistics Co Ltd (PFS), and VX Cold Chain Logistics, Zespri’s logistics partners in China.
Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake says it’s an exciting step forward to take Zespri Kiwifruit to market for the first time on a charter powered by biofuel with long-term shipping partner FCC.
“Shipping has the largest carbon impact across our supply chain, making up more than 40 percent of Zespri’s emissions* for fruit sold globally. With Zespri delivering fruit to more than 50 markets around the world each year, we’re focused on efficiency measures as well as collaborating with shipping partners such as FCC to trial low-emissions solutions. This will help us reduce our carbon impact per tray of fruit.”
FCC’s President and COO Toshiyuki Koga says, “FCC is committed to reducing emissions in order to assist Zespri meet their carbon reduction ambitions and make progress towards our own International Maritime Organisation (IMO) aligned goals.
“This is being achieved by the building of new ships, dedicated to the New Zealand kiwifruit trade. These ships incorporate the latest engine technology, which provides significant fuel savings and are able to run on biofuel to further reduce carbon emissions.
“This voyage is the first commercial shipment of Zespri kiwifruit using modern engines burning biofuel for the entire voyage from Tauranga to Shanghai.”
Jason Te Brake says the arrival in China of the biofuel-powered Kowhai also signals the start of Zespri's sales season in one of its largest markets.
"China is an important market for us, and we’re delighted to see the arrival of the first of the New Zealand crop for customers and consumers in China, while also working with our partners to learn more about decarbonising our shipping.
“It’s all part of understanding what we need to do on the ground so we can scale this in the future as low-emissions fuels become a viable option for New Zealand shipping.
“It’s been great to work with our long-term partners to make this biofuel sailing happen and as we continue to look to undertake further low emissions work, we look forward to seeing investment in both low emissions fuels and supporting infrastructure and regulations that will enable us to continue on this path.”
Life and traffic in Central Hong Kong were brought to a halt as the solemn sounds of the Last Post and Reveille marked the annual ANZAC Day commemoration at The Cenotaph on a damp Friday 25 April 2025 at 6:15am. Representatives from New Zealand (including NZCCHK), Australia, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and Hong Kong laid wreaths to honour those who sacrificed their lives in conflict. The ceremony was accompanied by the Hong Kong Police Band piper and bugler while the Reverend Desmond Cox of St. John's Cathedral officiated the proceedings.
The Cenotaph in Hong Kong is located in Central, near Statue Square and City Hall. It was unveiled on 24 May 1923 by Governor Sir Reginald Edward Stubbs to honour those who lost their lives during the First World War. Later, inscriptions were added to commemorate victims of the Second World War and the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong. The design closely resembles the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London and it is built from stone in a Classical Revival architectural style. In 2013, it was declared a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.
The 137th Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is a globally renowned trade event held in Guangzhou, China. This bi-annual fair, established in 1957, serves as a significant platform for international trade, attracting businesses and buyers from around the world.
A small delegation of NZCCHK members attended Phase Two of the fair on Wednesday 23 April 2025. In addition to spending time viewing the enormous variety of products on display, the delegation was treated to a Michelin star rated lunch by the team at the Canton Fair Hong Kong Representative Office.
The current edition is divided into three phases, each showcasing a diverse range of products. Phase One (April 15–19, 2025) focuses on electronics, machinery, and vehicles. Phase Two (April 23–27, 2025) highlights household items, gifts, and decorations. Phase Three (May 1–5, 2025) features textiles, clothing, and health products.
In addition to the physical exhibition, the fair offers an online platform, extending its reach and accessibility for six months, from 16 March to 15 September 2025. This hybrid format ensures that participants can connect and collaborate effectively, regardless of location.
Despite current trade challenges, 137th Canton Fair has seen impressive attendance numbers. During Phase One, over 148,585 foreign buyers from 216 countries and regions participated, marking a 20.2% increase compared to the same phase in 2024. The fair continues to attract a global audience, showcasing its importance in international trade.
China's national lawmakers on Wednesday (30 April 2025) voted to adopt the country's first fundamental law dedicated to promoting the private sector, underscoring support for a key part of the world's second-largest economy.
After over a year of legislative process, the private sector promotion law, passed at a session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, will take effect on May 20, 2025.
Comprising 78 articles in nine chapters, the law covers such areas as fair competition, investment and financing promotion, scientific and technological innovation, regulatory guidance, service support, rights and interests protection and legal liabilities.
The law will further optimize the development environment for the private economy, ensure fair market competition for all types of economic entities, and foster the sound development of both the private sector and its practitioners.
Private enterprises have long been a key driving force behind China's economic ascendance, contributing more than 60 percent of GDP and 80 percent of urban employment. By the end of March 2025, the country's more-than-57-million registered private enterprises made up over 92 percent of all businesses in China.
In an increasingly unpredictable global environment, China is becoming an "oasis of certainty" as it continues to build up industrial strength and foster institutional opening-up, drawing influential foreign investors from tech giants to automakers into the world's second-largest economy.
Latest data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chinese mainland in actual use climbed by 13.2 percent year on year last month. In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, 12,603 new foreign-invested enterprises were established nationwide, representing a year-on-year growth of 4.3 percent.
ANCHOR FOR GLOBAL ECONOMIC GROWTH
At a petrochemical plant rising a hundred meters from the ground, the sounds of welding, cutting and roaring interweave … The over 80 billion yuan (about 11 billion U.S. dollars) cooperation project co-invested by Saudi oil giant Aramco and Chinese enterprises in Panjin, northeastern Liaoning Province, has progressed to more than 60 percent.
Aramco is currently investing in projects in China that have a collective and total value of over 240 billion yuan, covering petrochemical projects and equity acquisition deals. "China is already the world's largest consumer and producer of petrochemicals, accounting for nearly half of global demand," said Amin H. Nasser, president and CEO of the company. He noted, "China is becoming an oasis of certainty in an increasingly unpredictable global environment."
Since the start of this year, more and more foreign brands from various sectors have beefed up investment in China, leveraging its super-large market advantage. For example, fast fashion brand Zara opened its Asian flagship store in Nanjing, while U.S. hair care brand Aveda opened its first store in south China in Guangzhou. German retail giant ALDI entered China's Jiangsu market.
Besides a vast market size, China's crucial role in fueling world economic growth has been harnessed by solid economic fundamentals and a stable policy framework, according to foreign institutions.
China's gross domestic product registered a 5.4 percent year-on-year growth in Q1. This expectation-beating performance is attributed to the fact that it has increased fiscal spending, vigorously boosted consumption, and introduced a series of measures to stabilize the property market and the stock market, Nathan Chow, senior economist at DBS Bank said.
The stable growth momentum in China's economy is stability that serves as an important global public good, helping to buffer uncertainties across international markets, said Bernd Einmeier, president of the German-Chinese Association for Economy, Education, and Culture.
According to the 2025 Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index, which measures investor expectations for FDI over the next three years, China has led all emerging markets for three consecutive years. The market is expected to become a "stabilizer" for business confidence worldwide, with its steady growth, open attitude and innovative vitality, said He Xiaoqing, president of Kearney Greater China.
INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH, INNOVATION DRIVE
Industry experts believe China's industrial strength and innovation drive have become key factors drawing foreign investment. At the same time, its market solidifies its crucial role in the integrated development of global industries, contributing to economic growth.
During an earlier business trip to China, Apple's COO, Jeff Williams, visited the company's supplier, Goertek, in east China's Shandong Province and praised its automated manufacturing and artificial intelligence technology on the production lines. Among the company's top 200 suppliers worldwide, more than 80 percent have factories in China engaging in related businesses.
China's ability to integrate industrial chains is almost irreplaceable on a global scale, whether in terms of engineer supply, industrial supporting capabilities, or scale advantages, noted Xing Ziqiang, chief economist at Morgan Stanley China.
This has attracted more and more foreign investment into the global manufacturing powerhouse and innovation hub, with Toyota committing to a 14.6-billion yuan strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai, and AstraZeneca signing a landmark agreement to invest 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in a global strategic research and development center in Beijing.
In Rugao City in east China's Jiangsu Province, welding robots are busy on the production lines of Swedish truckmaker Scania. "The Scania Rugao Industrial Hub, the most advanced and sustainable in Scania's world, will add significant capacity to Scania's global production system, easing previous bottlenecks and benefiting both the Chinese and global markets," said Ruthger de Vries, president of Scania Industrial Operations Asia.
INSTITUTIONAL OPENING-UP ACCELERATES
Translating its opening-up pledge into concrete actions, China's growing economic openness spanning various sectors has further cemented its position as the world's second-largest FDI destination.
While all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector were removed in China last year, the country has now extended its opening-up efforts to the service sector. China approved value-added telecommunications business operations of 13 foreign-funded enterprises in Q1, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
The number of foreign-invested telecommunications enterprises surged 26.5 percent from a year earlier and topped 2,400 in China at the end of last month. Over 40 foreign-funded biotechnology projects have kicked off, and three new wholly foreign-owned hospitals have been approved for operation by late March, according to the country's commerce ministry.
The constant opening-up in China's service sector has brought new development opportunities to foreign-funded enterprises and injected confidence into deepening the Chinese market, said Jacqueline Jiang, chair of the Chinese mainland at John Swire & Sons. Last month, a subsidiary of the group obtained the first foreign-owned cardiovascular specialty hospital practice license in China.
In the financial sector, an increasing number of foreign financial institutions have cast a vote of confidence in China by establishing new securities entities and expanding the scope of their existing businesses in recent years, with the latest move by UBS increasing its equity stake in UBS Securities from 67 percent to 100 percent.
Despite deficits in service trade, China seeks to further open sectors like medical and internet services in a well-conceived way. Pilot opening-up programs in free trade zones and select cities have been accelerated, with wholly foreign-owned hospitals now allowed in certain areas. According to the MIIT, China seeks to remove restrictions on the percentage of foreign capital for service businesses such as app stores and internet access in certain regions.
"In China, foreign companies can invest here because they find a good business environment, and those investments are also long-term and not only short-term," said Maximilian Butek, executive director and board member of the German Chamber of Commerce in China, the east China region.
"We have a strong business commitment here in China," he added.
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced that the eighth edition of the Global Fast Track (GFT) 2025 is now open for applications until September 21. This year, the programme will be expanded to include other verticals in addition to fintech, unleashing business opportunities for more technology companies in Hong Kong and worldwide. The year-long hybrid programme provides participants with one-on-one meetings, live pitching opportunities, mentorship, and tailored business matching with corporate clients, investors and service providers. A separate competition track will select semi-finalists from each vertical to pitch in person during the Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025 in November, with the grand finale taking place at the main conference. Shortlisted companies will also have access to exclusive networking events during the week for potential partnerships.
The Global Head of Financial Services, FinTech & Sustainability at InvestHK, Mr King Leung, shared, "The Global Fast Track has grown into more than just a fintech-accelerating platform. The expansion into additional verticals beyond fintech reflects a growing trend of technology converging across multiple industries. To date, the GFT has supported over 1 000 fintech companies from more than 50 economies, helping them showcase cutting-edge innovations and expedite market entry into Hong Kong and beyond. We are thrilled to build on this success and continue to offer unparalleled access to a regional network of more than 120 investors, corporate and service champions, mentors, and industry leaders."
The Head of Startups at InvestHK, Ms Jayne Chan, added, "It is exciting to see the expansion of this meaningful programme this year, as we welcome applications from verticals beyond fintech, including the newly dedicated 'Innovation & Technology' or deep tech vertical. Together, we aim to unlock the true potential of innovation across industries and provide a launchpad for transformative solutions. I look forward to welcoming high-calibre start-ups and scaleup applicants from around the world and witnessing the remarkable outcomes this programme will deliver."
Explore the Seven Expanded Global Fast Track Verticals
The GFT 2025 includes seven key verticals, covering a broader range of categories than ever before:
FinTech;
Artificial Intelligence;
GreenTech;
Blockchain & Digital Assets;
InsurTech & HealthTech;
Innovation & Technology; and
Mainland China Track (in Mandarin).
Glimpse of GFT 2025 Featured Partners
HKSTP Global Connect
For the GFT 2025, InvestHK is once again partnering with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation's Global Connect Programme to support start-ups in expanding their presence in Hong Kong. The programme offers a comprehensive soft-landing package, including:
Financial grants of up to HK$100,000;
Access to co-working space;
Investment and business matching;
1-on-1 consultations for setting up businesses in Hong Kong; and
Training and networking.
Accenture FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific
Established by Accenture in collaboration with Hong Kong Cyberport, the FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific (FILAP) bridges growth-stage fintech start-ups with senior executives from world-leading financial institutions. Since its launch, FILAP alumni have collectively raised over US$1.1 billion in funding and developed 552 Proof of Concepts across nearly 90 companies. Through the GFT 2025, applicants will have the opportunity to fast-track to FILAP 2026 Interview Day, providing access to expert mentorship and exclusive connections to global financial leaders.
The GFT 2025 is an unparalleled opportunity for qualified innovators to showcase their profile in front of thousands of attendees and key corporates and investors looking for solutions and investment opportunities. Previous finalists have come from around the world, including Canada, France, Israel, Mainland China, Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has announced an increase in passport fees due to rising production costs. The price for an adult passport will rise from NZ$215 to NZ$247, while a childs passport will increase from NZ$125 to NZ$144. Urgent service fees will match this change, bringing the total cost to NZ$494 for adults and NZ$391 for children. The after-hours call-out fee will go up to NZ$754, making the final cost NZ$1,001 for adults and NZ$898 for children.
Acting Deputy Secretary Briget Ridden explained that New Zealand operates under a user-pays system, requiring fee adjustments in response to rising expenses such as wages, technology, insurance, and materials. She reassured that efforts are being made to enhance efficiency and minimize costs, including technological improvements and limiting non-essential system upgrades.
Passport revenue supports service delivery and helps maintain New Zealands strong global travel reputation, allowing access to over 185 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival privileges.
New investment in advanced technology research will boost high-tech exports, strengthen connections between research and industry and generate high value jobs, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.
“Advanced technology research leads to life-changing innovation,” says Dr Reti.
“The breakthroughs that can be achieved through areas like cryogenic and quantum science are hugely significant.
“From developing portable MRI machines, to building smaller and faster engines, this investment will enable innovation that has the potential to improve our daily lives, while boosting economic growth in sectors like health, transport, energy and our space industry.”
The Government is investing $71 million over seven years into a new advanced technology science platform hosted by the Robinson Research Institute, who are based out of Victoria University of Wellington.
Dr Reti says this funding will not only support innovation that can be turned into economic gains but also maintain critical staff and develop young scientists into world-class innovators.
“Through this new science platform, the Government is investing in the materials and engineering expertise needed to achieve technological breakthroughs and turn innovative ideas into real-world products and services right here in New Zealand,” says Dr Reti.
“This research platform aims to grow New Zealand’s hi-tech exports based on cryogenics, superconductors, magnets and processed materials.
“Robinson Research Institute are known for world-leading expertise in superconductors, magnets and materials technologies and proven experience in commercialisation.
“The team will develop workforce capability through internships and postgraduate study and encourage early career researchers to take their ideas beyond the laboratory.
“Projects from the platform will also enhance local and international research and commercial partnerships and encourage international investment into the New Zealand research and development sector.
“I look forward to the contribution this platform will make to growing and diversifying our economy, supporting the development of world-class scientists and innovators and the creation of high-quality jobs for people in New Zealand.”
This investment is part of the Government's work to drive economic growth by reforming and refocusing New Zealand's science, innovation and technology system for the future. It is the first step in establishing the new Advanced Technology Public Research Organisation.
