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.
The Legislative Council of Hong Kong SAR passed new legislation on 14 May 2025, enabling an inward company re-domiciliation regime. This allows companies incorporated outside Hong Kong to apply for re-domiciliation while preserving their legal identity and business continuity, provided they meet the specified conditions.
The law responds to the needs of foreign-incorporated companies with significant business operations in Hong Kong, facilitating their relocation to the city. It also supports government efforts to attract enterprises and investment, stimulating demand for professional services while creating jobs and economic opportunities.
Under this regime, companies from jurisdictions that permit domicile transfers - such as the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Delaware, and Singapore - can apply, provided they have been incorporated for at least one financial year.
Throughout the re-domiciliation process, companies will retain their property, rights, obligations, and legal agreements. If their profits remain subject to taxation in their original jurisdiction, the Hong Kong government will grant unilateral tax credits to mitigate double taxation. Re-domiciled companies will be treated as Hong Kong-incorporated entities, enjoying the same rights and responsibilities under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622).
The Amendment Ordinance comes into effect on 23 May, with applications opening the same day. To facilitate the process, the Companies Registry will launch a dedicated webpage with application details, and the Integrated Companies Registry Information System will be upgraded to handle submissions.
Hong Kong Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, has accepted the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) on the appointment of the Honourable Sir William Gillow Gibbes Austen Young as a non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal. Subject to the endorsement of the Legislative Council, the Chief Executive will make the appointment under Article 88 of the Basic Law and section 9 of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance (Cap. 484).
Mr Lee said, "I am pleased to accept the JORC's recommendation on the appointment of Sir William Young as a non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal. Sir William Young retired from the judicial office of Permanent Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, New Zealand's final court of appeal, in April 2022. He is a judge of eminent standing and reputation. I am confident that he will contribute substantively to the Court of Final Appeal.
"With the appointment of Sir William Young, the list of non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions will consist of six eminent judges from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The presence of these esteemed overseas jurists as non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal is a manifestation of the independence of the Judiciary in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as protected by the Basic Law. Their participation demonstrates a high degree of confidence in the HKSAR's judicial system, and enables Hong Kong to maintain strong links with other common law jurisdictions. I am fully confident that these distinguished jurists from overseas with profound judicial experience will remain as a unique strength of the HKSAR's judicial system."
Article 90 of the Basic Law and section 7A of the Ordinance provide that the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council on the appointment of judges of the Court of Final Appeal. The Government will seek the endorsement of the Legislative Council of the recommended appointment in due course.
Sir William is a New Zealand citizen. He was born in New Zealand on 14 April 1952. He and his wife now live in Christchurch. He was educated at Christ’s College, the University of Canterbury and the University of Cambridge. He obtained the degree of Bachelor of Law (with first class honours) at the University of Canterbury in 1974 and the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge in 1978.
In 1975, Sir William was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the then Supreme Court (now known as the High Court) of New Zealand. He practised as a barrister and solicitor in the family firm, RA Young Hunter & Co, from 1978 (following his study in Cambridge) until 1988. Between 1988 and 1997, he practised as a barrister. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1991. His practice was very general and included crime (defending and also prosecuting for the Serious Fraud Office), competition law and tax (acting mainly for the Commissioner of Inland Revenue).
Sir William became a Judge of the High Court of New Zealand in December 1997. He was appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal in 2004 and became the President of the Court of Appeal in 2006. In 2010, he was promoted to the Supreme Court of New Zealand, New Zealand’s final court of appeal, as a Permanent Judge until April 2022 (when he reached the statutory retirement age) and as an acting-judge from April 2022 for another two years. The Supreme Court of New Zealand is the highest court in the judicial system of New Zealand. Since his retirement as a Permanent Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, he has sat on the final appellate courts of Seychelles, Samoa and Fiji.
While in legal practice, Sir William participated extensively in the activities of the New Zealand Law Society and served on its Council. He was also President of the Canterbury District Law Society. As a Judge, Sir William was heavily involved in judicial training and education. He was the primary author of Criminal Jury Trials Bench Book published by the Institute of Judicial Studies of the Judiciary of New Zealand. Sir William was the chair of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on two Christchurch mosques in New Zealand on 15 March 2019 which reported in November 2020.
China will continue its support for the World Trade Organization (WTO) to work as a stabilizer of global trade and to make greater contributions in addressing global challenges, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said here on Sunday.
During a meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, He said that the multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core, is the cornerstone of international trade and plays an important role in global economic governance.
He urged all parties to resolve differences and disputes through dialogues on an equal footing within the WTO's framework, to jointly uphold multilateralism and free trade, and push for the stable and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains.
China will continue to participate comprehensively and deeply in the reform of the global trade body, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing members, said the Chinese vice premier.
He, the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, also briefed the WTO chief on the high-level China-U.S. economic and trade meeting held over the weekend in Geneva.
Okonjo-Iweala said that the current global economic and trade growth faces severe challenges, noting that WTO members should work together to defend an open and rule-based multilateral trading system, strengthen dialogue and cooperation on international trade issues, and push for a greater WTO role in facilitating trade liberalization, improving trade efficiency, and achieving global sustainable development.
The early entry into force of the New Zealand–European Union Trade Agreement (FTA) is paying off, with Kiwi goods exports to the EU surging by 28 per cent during the first year.
“In the last 12 months our goods exports to the EU surged from NZ$3.8 billion to over NZ$4.8 billion,” Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says.
“This is good news for all New Zealanders, especially our sheep farmers, kiwifruit growers and machinery exporters. Sheep meat was up 29 per cent adding an additional NZ$216 million, kiwifruit has increased by 69 per cent contributing a further NZ$316 million, and machinery was up an impressive 104 per cent providing NZ$173 million more compared to the previous year.
“Strengthening ties with trading partners is crucial to growing the New Zealand economy and driving up incomes for Kiwis. Better market access, lower costs, and fewer trade barriers with the EU are key to delivering the Government’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of New Zealand’s exports in 10 years.”
The NZ-EU FTA removed 91 per cent of duties on New Zealand exports immediately, climbing to 97 per cent after seven years. Wine, seafood, and a range of other products are also benefiting from significant tariff reductions.
“Our growing network of trade agreements means exporters now have more choices about where to sell their world-class products,” Mr McClay says.
Seven university students have been awarded New Zealand Space Scholarships to intern at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California, Space Minister Judith Collins announced.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these incredibly capable students. They will gain invaluable experience working on projects alongside scientists and engineers who are part of world-leading NASA missions,” Ms Collins says.
“These three-month internships will equip them with real-world skills to kick-startexciting careers in New Zealand’s fast-growing space industry."
The students, Asif Rasha (Auckland University of Technology), Shivam Desai (University of Auckland), Felix Goddard, Jack Patterson (University of Canterbury), Mark Bishop, Sofie Claridge and Taran John (Victoria University of Wellington), received their scholarships at a ceremony.
The students will work on projects across the space spectrum, from deep space communication, the Big Bang and the early universe, to mission analysis.
“These scholarships, along with the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes, help us encourage the next generation of talent to ensure we have an aerospace-capable workforce. This is a key part of our plan to double the size of our space and advanced aviation sectors by 2030,” Ms Collins says.
“Last month I released an economic report that shows New Zealand’s space and advanced aviation sectors are thriving – growing by 53 percent in the five years to 2024. The space sector contributed $2.47b to the economy in the 2023-24 financial year, while the advanced aviation sector, which overlaps with the space sector, contributed $480 million.”
More information about the 2025 NZ Space Scholarship recipients and the projects they’ll work on is available on the MBIE website.
Applications are open now for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Space Prizes, which recognise and encourage innovative expertise through the Professional Excellence category and the Student Endeavour category.
The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) continues to attract strong interest since its launch. As of the end of April 2025, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) received 1,257 applications. At the same time, the Immigration Department has granted "Approval-in-Principle" to 911 applicants, allowing them to enter Hong Kong as visitors to complete their investments, and has granted "Formal Approval" to 512 applicants who have completed investments. The current applications are expected to bring an investment amount of over HK$37 billion into Hong Kong, reinforcing Hong Kong's standing as a pre-eminent international investment hub.
The Scheme aims to attract asset owners to settle in the city and explore its diverse investment opportunities through wealth allocation and management. The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Office under InvestHK is responsible for assessing the financial assets and investment of the Scheme Applicants as well as monitoring their continuous compliance of the Investment Requirements and Portfolio Maintenance Requirements, while the Immigration Department is responsible for assessing applications for visa/entry permit, extension of stay and unconditional stay pursuant to the Scheme.
After taking into account the views of the industry, the New CIES has implemented enhancement measures starting March 1, 2025 which include (i) shortening the fulfillment period of Net Asset Requirement (NAR) from two years to six months; (ii) taking into consideration for the calculation of NAR for the respective portion of jointly-owned assets with family member(s) which is absolutely beneficially entitled to the applicant; and (iii) allowing investment made through an eligible private company wholly owned by the applicant, creating synergy with the tax concession regime for family offices. Following the implementation of enhancement measures, there has been a notable surge in March 2025, with monthly application numbers rising by over 440 per cent as compared with February. This reflects the growing confidence of the applicants and the market in the New CIES.
Head of Hong Kong, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), Ms Elizabeth Chan, said, "We are pleased to see the strong pipeline of applications following the enhancement measures introduced in March 2025, reflecting Hong Kong's enduring appeal as a global investment hub. The Scheme is also creating new business opportunities for the industry. As a professional body representing the accounting sector, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of due diligence, compliance, and transparency in supporting the Scheme. Hong Kong's dynamic economy, rule of law, and world-class financial infrastructure continue to offer the predictability and confidence that high-net-worth individuals look for when seeking long-term growth and stability."
Founding Partner of MindWorks Capital, one of the fund managers appointed for the CIES IP, Mr David Chang, said, "As Hong Kong's largest homegrown venture capital firm, MindWorks Capital is proud to support the New CIES as a catalyst for shaping the city's next chapter. Through strategic investments in innovation, culture, and technology, we remain committed to building a more vibrant, resilient, and future-ready Hong Kong. We are also seeing renewed fund activity across the market as firms position to capture the opportunities unlocked by the Scheme."
Over the past year, InvestHK has implemented a comprehensive promotional strategy. This included broadcasting a promotional video at Hong Kong International Airport between November and December last year, and publishing feature articles in media outlets across major markets such as Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Americas, as well as local media in the past year. Additionally, InvestHK actively promoted the scheme and shared relevant information through its social media. It has also promoted New CIES through overseas visits and investor meetings, hosting briefing sessions with chambers of commerce, industry associations, professional organisations, and the network of family office service providers, further expanding its promotional reach.
Looking ahead, InvestHK will continue to promote Hong Kong as the premier hub for capital and talent worldwide. The Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, said: "Hong Kong possesses strong resilience and solid foundations, as demonstrated by the free flow of capital, a robust regulatory framework, and a deep pool of professional talent. These attributes offer global investors an unparalleled and stable environment for doing business and making investments. I am confident that the New CIES will continue to attract more talent and capital to Hong Kong. We will also continue to work closely with the professional sector and relevant stakeholders to further promote the initiative to high-net-worth individuals around the world."
China's central bank has introduced a series of measures aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) weather external uncertainties and stabilise their operations, according to an official with the research institute of the central bank.
"The moderately loose monetary policy adopted by the People's Bank of China (PBOC) helps expand funding available to the real economy, lower financing costs for businesses, especially the SMEs, and enhance their operational stability," said Ding Zhijie, head of the Research Institute at the PBOC, at the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.
Ding said the PBOC has taken steps to bolster the smaller businesses by providing stronger credit support and easing their interest burdens.
By the end of April, the outstanding inclusive loans issued to micro and small enterprises reached 34.3 trillion yuan (about 4.77 trillion U.S. dollars), up 11.9 percent year on year, outpacing the growth of overall lending.
The cost of financing for businesses has also declined. In April, the weighted average interest rate on newly issued corporate loans stood at 3.2 percent, down 50 basis points from a year earlier.
In a further move, the PBOC has decided to add 300 billion yuan to its relending quota, aimed at supporting the agricultural sector and small businesses.
Ding also emphasized the role of the entrepreneurship guarantee loan, a policy tool introduced in 2016 to spur job creation and entrepreneurship. He said the central bank would continue urging banks at all levels to implement the policy more effectively to expand financial assistance in stabilizing employment.
It’s been four months since the Fast-track Approvals system opened for business and the statistics show strong progress toward making it quicker and easier to build the projects New Zealand needs for economic growth, RMA Reform and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say.
“The Fast-track Approvals Act, part of the coalition agreement between National and NZ First, was signed into law just before Christmas and opened for project applications on 7 February this year. The Act helps cut through the tangle of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes that has, until now, held New Zealand back from much-needed economic growth,” Mr Bishop says.
“The Fast-track Approvals Act contains a list of 149 projects which, from 7 February, have been able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for consideration by an expert panel. The expert panels consider each application, decide whether or not each project receives approval, and attach any necessary conditions to those approvals.
“In the four months since the Fast-track one-stop shop approvals regime officially opened for project applications, we’ve seen good progress on a range of applications for projects that, if approved, will grow New Zealand’s economy and sort out our infrastructure deficit, housing crisis, and energy shortage, instead of tying essential projects up in knots for years at a time.
“As of this week, 15 substantive applications for listed projects have been lodged and found complete and within scope by the EPA. Of these, twelve applications have no competing applications or existing resource consents; two applications are undergoing checks for competing applications or existing resource consents; and one application was found to have an existing resource consent and can therefore not proceed any further through Fast-track.
“Eight of the 12 complete applications that are complete, within scope and with no competing applications or existing resource consents are being considered by the panel convenor who will soon establish expert panels for each project.
“Three are currently before expert panels for consideration, with a fourth expert panel being appointed on 6 June. These four projects are Delmore (residential subdivision and roading interchange in Orewa), (Maitahi Village (residential development including commercial centre and a retirement village in Nelson), Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension (new and extended wharf facilities at Port of Auckland), Milldale (earthworks and site work for approximately 1,100 residential allotments).
“The first expert panels’ final decisions are expected in mid-September this year.
“Projects not listed in the Act can also apply for referral to an expert panel through the same Fast-track website. Their applications go first to me as Infrastructure Minister for consideration, which includes inviting written comments from the Minister for the Environment and any other Ministers with relevant portfolios, before the deciding whether to refer the project for Fast-track.
“To date I have referred three projects to the Fast-track process, meaning they can now submit substantive applications to the EPA. These three projects are the Ayrburn Screen Hub (a film and television production facility) in Otago; Ashbourne (a development of 530 homes and 250 retirement units) in Waikato; and the Grampians Solar Project (a solar farm expected to generate 300 megawatts) in Canterbury.”
“As well as delivering a strong pipeline of projects into the future, Fast-track is well on track to deliver a much boost to the economy now, with up to 17 projects whose applications are underway expected to commence this year, if approved. This will be welcome news for the construction sector,” Mr Jones says.
“The projects that have applied for Fast-track approvals to date would contribute an additional 12,208 new homes across the Auckland, Nelson and Otago regions, and an additional 1,136 new retirement units in Auckland and Nelson.”
China is seeking to boost the consumption of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in the country's rural regions with accelerated efforts to improve the supporting environment for their use.
According to a circular issued by five government departments on Tuesday, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Commerce, promotional campaigns for NEVs will be carried out in certain counties where the NEV penetration rate is low but the consumption potential is huge.
As part of these promotional campaigns, NEV models suitable for driving conditions in rural areas, and which have good reputations and are known for reliable quality, will be selected. Activities such as exhibitions and test drives will be organized.
NEV after-sales maintenance and repair service enterprises, electric car charging and battery switching service providers, and financial service enterprises will also be included in these promotional campaigns, with a view to optimizing the supporting environment for NEV adoption in rural areas.
Car companies are encouraged to enrich the provision of NEV models and improve their services to tap consumption potential in China's countryside.
NEV manufacturers, car retailers, financial service companies, and electricity charging and after-sales service providers are also encouraged to offer "promotional deals" that integrate services spanning car purchase, car use and after-sales services to rural customers.
Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed that NEV production in China had surged 48.3 percent year on year to nearly 4.43 million units in the first four months of 2025, with sales up by 46.2 percent year on year to 4.3 million units. NEVs accounted for 42.7 percent of total new vehicle sales in China in the January-April period this year.
The cumulative number of charging infrastructure facilities nationwide had reached almost 13.75 million at the end of March. This figure included 3.9 million public charging points for NEVs and 9.85 million private charging installations, official data revealed.
The GBA's mainland cities exceed expectations - rich cultural heritage, vibrant talent, scenic beauty, and policy-supported industries, complemented by Hong Kong's role as an international financial and professional services hub, said Maurits ter Kuile, consul general of the Netherlands in Hong Kong.
A delegation of consular corps and business communities in Hong Kong has just concluded a four-day tour of Chinese mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), describing the trip as a "compulsory course" for everyone based in Hong Kong.
"The GBA, as an emerging economic brand, has been underreported in terms of its potential and opportunities," multiple consuls general, chamber of commerce leaders, and executives of multinational firms told Xinhua, underscoring the region's untapped potential as a "blue ocean" for innovation and the need for enhanced global promotion to unlock its full economic and strategic potential.
"These cities blend 'sci-fi glamour' with everyday vibrancy -- stunning and unforgettable," members of the delegation echoed this remark when commenting on their visits to Chinese mainland cities of Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai in the GBA.
The GBA's technological landscape is nothing short of revolutionary. Tencent's "Digital Library Cave" in Shenzhen's Nanshan Science Park is a prime example. By harnessing high-definition scanning, gaming-engine rendering, and dynamic lighting, Tencent has recreated an immersive and interactive experience to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of the Mogao Grottoes.
This not only breathes new life into cultural heritage but also sets a precedent for using technology in education and tourism. As Nasar S A SH Alghanim, consul general of the State of Kuwait in Hong Kong, remarked, such innovations are "transforming how we engage with history and our daily life," highlighting the far-reaching implications for various sectors.
George Leung, CEO of SCOR Reinsurance Company (Asia) Limited., called the tour "beyond expectation," admitting his prior focus on GBA infrastructure projects had overshadowed its cutting-edge sectors like agricultural drones and biopharmaceuticals. "This trip reshaped my understanding. We are now considering recalibrating our business strategies to align with these emerging trends," he said.
Discussing XPeng AeroHT's futuristic flying cars, Johannes Hack, vice chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, praised the GBA's "determination and execution in advancing low-altitude economy," calling its "trial-and-error, rapid-iteration model" a template for innovation. "Flying cars turn childhood dreams into reality," he told Xinhua.
The GBA's mainland cities exceed expectations -- rich cultural heritage, vibrant talent, scenic beauty, and policy-supported industries, complemented by Hong Kong's role as an international financial and professional services hub, said Maurits ter Kuile, consul general of the Netherlands in Hong Kong, after testing a game at a studio in Zhuhai's Kingsoft Software Park.
Over four days, the delegation visited cooperation zones in Hengqin, Qianhai, Nansha, and Hetao, focusing on such frontier areas as artificial intelligence (AI), smart driving, robotics, and biopharmaceuticals. Many delegates exchanged contacts, expressed investment interest, or planned follow-up visits, highlighting Hong Kong's role as a gateway for global deals with the GBA and broader collaboration in technologies.
Brian Davidson, British consul general to Hong Kong and Macao, described the tour as an "eyeopener," noting the region's "boundary-breaking" drive. "Innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity here support staggering growth -- they solve current challenges while anticipating future ones," he said.
Philippine Consul General in Hong Kong Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. emphasized the GBA's ability to translate trends into impactful solutions, citing achievements in information and communications technology, biopharmaceuticals, and AI. "As a 'future economic blue ocean,' the GBA offers endless opportunities. I stand ready to facilitate two-way investment between the GBA and ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)," he said.
The GBA balances visionary planning with practical implementation, said Alfred Cheng Man On, head of corporate banking at Bank Negara Indonesia's Hong Kong branch, adding, "On-the-ground visits clarify how the GBA and Hong Kong reinforce each other, with positive ripple effects across broader regions."
Meanwhile, delegates agreed that the journey to the GBA mainland cities revealed a region that is not only at the forefront of technological innovation but also a paragon of livability, presenting a compelling case for global investment and collaboration.
In Zhuhai, delegates admired coastal landscapes and eco-parks, with Inaki Amate, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, comparing the city to Danang in Vietnam and Malaga in Spain.
"Similarly, GBA mainland cities offer a work-life balance that drives innovation and attracts talent," Amate told Xinhua, noting "the GBA together as a global brand must be elevated collaboratively."
He encouraged the Hong Kong business community to leverage its financial and legal expertise to help mainland's GBA firms "go global," while encouraging European investors to tap into GBA innovation sectors and support reciprocal ventures like GBA factories in Europe to boost employment and brand presence.
Source: GD Today
The Government is boosting New Zealand’s attractiveness as a destination for Chinese tourists by improving visa settings and processes.
From November, New Zealand will trial visa waiver status for Chinese passport holders travelling from Australia with a valid Australian visitor, work, student or family visa, allowing them to visit for up to 3 months.
“Our immigration settings play an important role in brightening our country’s economic future. More than 240,000 Chinese visitor visas were granted in 2024, and we want those numbers to grow,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says.
“This will make it easier, cheaper and faster for them to cross the Tasman and visit our shores. The trial will last for 12 months and will be supplemented by further improvements to our immigration processes, making it easier for people applying for a visa.”
Other changes include:
These complement the five-year multiple entry Visitor Visa already in place and NZ’s current average processing time of five working days visitor visa applications from China
“China is one of New Zealand’s most important tourism markets, and more international visitors means more bookings in our restaurants, more people visiting our regions and attractions, more jobs being created across the country, and an overall stronger economy,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
“In the year ended March 2025, visitors from China contributed $1.24 billion to New Zealand’s economy, but there’s still more work to do to grow these numbers and drive further economic growth throughout the country.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has wrapped up his successful China visit by meeting with his Chinese counterpart Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
“My first official visit to China allowed me to reconnect with Premier Li on the full scope of our bilateral relationship,” Mr Luxon says.
Following their meeting, Mr Luxon and Premier Li issued a Joint Statement of Outcomes and witnessed the signing of 11 new government-to-government arrangements covering cooperation on climate change, cultural linkages, tourism and a range of practical initiatives to facilitate trade flows.
“These arrangements will help New Zealand exporters by opening up new trade and making existing trade faster, predictable and cheaper,” Mr Luxon says.
Mr Luxon reiterated the importance of leader-level dialogue to support the comprehensive bilateral relationship, including openly and consistently discussing areas of difference, such as human rights.
“I raised with Premier Li a number of issues that are important to New Zealand. In particular, the need for engagement in the Pacific to take place in a manner which advances Pacific priorities,” Mr Luxon says.
“In an increasingly turbulent global environment, we also discussed a range of security, climate, and trade challenges.
“The ongoing security and prosperity of the Indo Pacific region is vital to New Zealand interests, and I raised concerns with rising tensions in the Indo Pacific, including in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.”
Mr Luxon also had constructive discussions with President Xi Jinping and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji in Beijing and Party Secretary Chen Jining in Shanghai.
“Chairman Zhao and I discussed the long history of Parliamentary exchanges between New Zealand and China, and the contribution this makes to the bilateral relationship,” Mr Luxon says.
During his three-day visit, Mr Luxon worked with a high calibre business delegation to promote New Zealand’s premium food and beverage, and health and wellbeing products.
“The visit has reinforced for me that New Zealand remains well-placed to meet the evolving needs of Chinese consumers, particularly in premium and niche categories that support higher-quality lifestyles,” Mr Luxon says.
In Beijing, Mr Luxon also promoted New Zealand as a world class tourism and education destination and celebrated new and long-standing air connections that underpin these.
“Inbound tourists and students bring people together, build understanding, and support jobs across New Zealand,” Mr Luxon says.
“We’re committed to welcoming more Chinese visitors and students to New Zealand and strengthening the ties between our two countries.”
Beijing marked the final stage of the Prime Minister’s visit to China. He now departs for Europe for a five-day programme.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
“My meeting with President Xi was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the depth and breadth of this important relationship, and to reaffirm our bilateral ties,” Mr Luxon says.
“I outlined how our strong and innovative economic relationship has grown to cover a broad range of areas. Our trade and economic links are complementary and contribute to prosperity in both countries. These links also directly support New Zealand’s ambition to grow our economy.
“We discussed the diversity of our people-to-people ties – from business, education, to cultural and science – and how they help build mutual understanding. I also welcomed progress made in increasing aviation links and tourism connections between our two countries.”
Mr Luxon emphasised the importance of open, direct dialogue at the leader level to navigate some challenging regional and global developments.
“Engaging to share perspectives is more important than ever in a rapidly changing world. Where we have different views, our comprehensive and mature relationship allows New Zealand and China to speak frankly and constructively.
“I raised the importance to New Zealand of the international rules-based system, as well as the key role that China can play in helping to resolve global challenges, such as the war in Ukraine,” Mr Luxon says.
Mr Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand’s direct interest in the maintenance of peace, security and prosperity in the Pacific, our enduring support for Pacific-led priorities, and the central role of the Pacific Islands Forum.
“I also discussed the necessity of a stable region and reduced tensions in the Indo-Pacific” Mr Luxon says.
While in Beijing, Mr Luxon will also meet with Premier Li Qiang and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Beijing on Friday (20 June).
Li emphasized that strengthening strategic communication and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between China and New Zealand are of great significance in light of all the changes and turbulence in today's world.
President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Luxon this morning, pointing out the direction for the development of bilateral relations in the next stage, Li said, noting that China is willing to work with New Zealand to carry forward traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, and expand practical cooperation, to promote common development and deliver greater benefits to both peoples.
Highlighting high complementarity between the two economies, the premier proposed aligning development strategies to explore more converging interests, upgrading cooperation quality in all fields for higher-level win-win outcomes.
He called on the two sides to further expand the scale of trade, continuously promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, expand cooperation in emerging fields and better promote regional economic integration.
China stands ready to import more quality agricultural and food products from New Zealand, and will continue to encourage capable Chinese enterprises to invest in New Zealand, and hopes that New Zealand will provide a fair and open business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in the country, Li said.
China welcomes New Zealand as the guest country of honor at the China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education 2025 and is willing to deepen exchanges with New Zealand in education, tourism, think tanks, and subnational cooperation, to enhance mutual understanding and amity between the two peoples.
At present, the global economic and trade landscape is undergoing profound transformation and adjustment, Li said, adding that China is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with New Zealand within frameworks such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system, create an open, inclusive and non-discriminatory international economic cooperation environment, and inject more stability and certainty into the turbulent world.
Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand's adherence to the one-China policy, expressing willingness to maintain high-level exchanges with China, strengthen mutual understanding and trust, and deepen exchange and cooperation in the fields of trade, agriculture, tourism, and education.
New Zealand is also willing to enhance communication and coordination with China in such areas as response to climate change and green development, jointly committing to upholding the international order and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, Luxon said.
After the talks, Li and Luxon jointly witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents covering customs, food safety, organic product certification, climate change, and cultural heritage.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Beijing on Friday, calling on both sides to place greater emphasis on cooperation.
For more than 50 years, since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-New Zealand relations have long been at the forefront of China's relations with Western developed countries, Xi said.
As the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership enters its second decade, both sides should work to grow the partnership and bring more benefits to the two peoples, he said.
Xi stressed that China and New Zealand should place greater emphasis on cooperation in bilateral relations, leverage their complementary strengths, deepen trade and investment cooperation, and explore potential for cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, climate change, and infrastructure.
He encouraged both sides to strengthen exchanges in education, culture, among youth and at non-governmental and sub-national levels.
"There are no historical grievances or fundamental conflicts of interests between China and New Zealand. Both countries should respect each other, seek common ground while reserving differences, and appropriately view and address differences and disagreements," Xi said.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations (UN), Xi said.
As builders and defenders of the post-war international order, China and New Zealand should jointly uphold the international system with the UN at its core, and maintain the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, he said.
He urged both sides to work together to safeguard international fairness and justice and make the international order more just and equitable.
New Zealand attaches great importance to its relations with China and will continue to adhere to the one-China policy, Luxon said, adding that his country is willing to uphold mutual respect and understanding with China and maintain high-level exchanges.
He expressed hopes for expanding trade and investment, deepening cooperation in agriculture, fishery and dairy industry, and enhancing exchanges in tourism and education.
Luxon said the world today is full of uncertainties, and the international community expects China to play a greater role. He said New Zealand is willing to actively communicate and coordinate with China to safeguard the multilateral trading system and jointly address global challenges.
New Zealand supports China in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2026, he said.
New Zealand is simplifying transit procedures and lowering costs for Chinese travelers to enhance tourism and trade.
Starting in November, Chinese passport holders will no longer require a traditional Transit Visa to pass through New Zealand airports. Instead, they will be able to obtain a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), which is cheaper and faster to process.
New Zealand Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said on Thursday that Chinese travelers can now be processed in 24 hours for as little as NZ$17 (about US$10), rather than paying NZ$235 and waiting four days for a transit visa.
The NZeTA is also valid for up to two years, allowing multiple transits without the need for repeated applications, Stanford said.
The move comes alongside the announcement of a new air route linking China to South America via Auckland, positioning New Zealand as a key international transit hub.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston noted that this policy will make transiting through New Zealand a more attractive option for both travelers and airlines.
The government expects these changes to increase passenger numbers, expand airline capacity, and support the broader goal of doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034.
In a move set to make waves in international aviation, China Eastern Airlines (MU) has announced an ambitious new long-haul route linking Shanghai Pudong (PVG) with Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE), via a stopover in Auckland (AKL). Beginning December 2025, the route will run twice a week using the airline’s flagship Boeing 777-300ER.
On the surface, connecting Shanghai and Buenos Aires might seem implausible due to the immense distance - roughly 10,580 nautical miles (19,594 km). A nonstop service over such a stretch is beyond the reach of current commercial aircraft under typical operating conditions. But with Auckland serving as a midpoint, China Eastern has found a strategic and operationally sound solution.
The detour via Auckland adds just 47 nautical miles to the direct path, efficiently splitting the journey in two and extending the aircraft’s range. More than just a fuel stop, Auckland allows China Eastern to leverage fifth freedom traffic rights, enabling passengers to book segments between Shanghai and Auckland, or Auckland and Buenos Aires, independently.
This offers a fresh travel option between New Zealand and Argentina—two regions with limited direct air links—and opens up additional connectivity in underserved markets.
This approach isn’t entirely new. Air China, for instance, operates a similar ultra-long-haul service between Beijing, Madrid, and São Paulo. That routing, impossible to run non-stop, also benefits from fifth freedom rights and a smartly chosen midpoint.
Both routes highlight how airlines can bridge continents with smart planning, aircraft capability optimization, and savvy international agreements.
China Eastern’s new PVG - AKL - EZE route reflects its broader strategy to expand global connectivity, particularly between East Asia and South America - two regions with increasing economic and cultural exchanges. It also deepens the airline’s presence in New Zealand and opens a path into the relatively untapped China - South America market, currently served primarily by carriers from Europe and the Middle East.
For travelers, it means a more streamlined journey between China and Argentina, with a scenic and practical stop in Auckland - potentially cutting travel time compared to other one-stop itineraries.
The deployment of the larger Boeing 777-300ER for the Argentina leg marks a capacity upgrade from the Airbus A330-200 currently used on the Auckland route. The 777-300ER will seat 316 passengers across three classes: 6 in First, 52 in Business, and 258 in Economy.
If the route succeeds, it could pave the way for more creative ultra-long-haul services - cleverly connecting distant corners of the globe while staying within operational limits.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has concluded the successful Shanghai leg of his official visit to China, accompanied by Ministers Louise Upston and Mark Mitchell and a delegation of senior New Zealand business leaders from across the food and beverage, health and wellbeing, education, and tourism sectors.
“Our bilateral trade relationship with China is one of our most important, with two-way trade exceeding NZ$39 billion in the year ending March 2025.
“This relationship accounts for more than 20 per cent of New Zealand’s total goods and services exports,” Mr Luxon says.
“It’s been great to see NZ$871 million of commercial agreements signed today between New Zealand businesses and their Chinese partners. This is a clear sign of the strength and momentum in our trade relationship.
“We also announced we would be making it easier for Chinese nationals to transit via New Zealand by removing the need to get a transit visa, instead being able to get a New Zealanders Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), significantly cutting costs and time for visitors.
“This resulted in one of the major announcements in Shanghai, that China Eastern Airlines was launching twice weekly flights to South America via Auckland.”
Mr Luxon participated in a tourism livestream event watched by over 10 million people, to promote New Zealand travel offerings.
“New Zealand welcomed 248,000 visitors from China in the past year, with holiday arrivals up 31 per cent. We’ve made recent changes to visa settings to make it easier for Chinese visitors to enjoy New Zealand’s natural beauty and warm hospitality,” Mr Luxon says.
Mr Luxon also visited Fudan University, one of China’s most prestigious academic institutions, to promote New Zealand as a destination for world-class research, study, and partnership.
“We’re focused on deepening our education links through student connections, institutional partnerships, and joint research that benefits both countries,” Mr Luxon says.
Mr Luxon also met with Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining to discuss Shanghai as a gateway for a high proportion of New Zealand goods, services and people-to-people flows, and other bilateral issues.
The Prime Minister will now travel to Beijing, where he will meet with China’s leaders.
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson have welcomed a new certification scheme, announced by the Prime Minister in Shanghai today, that unlocks access to China’s NZ$200 million cosmetics and skincare market — a move that will drive stronger returns for New Zealand exporters and boost the economy.
“This is a smart, practical step that removes a long-standing trade barrier and opens up valuable new channels for our exporters,” McClay says.
“It means more high-quality, innovative New Zealand products on shelves in China - not just online, but in stores across one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.”
The scheme, developed with International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), provides exporters with a Government-issued Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificate that meets Chinese regulatory requirements.
“This certification allows Kiwi-made cosmetics to be sold through traditional retail channels in China, significantly expanding market reach beyond cross-border e-commerce and supporting our goal of doubling exports by value in 10 years,” Mr McClay says.
Minister Simpson says the scheme is a strong example of the Government’s commitment to backing New Zealand businesses and removing barriers to growth.
“With global demand for health and beauty products rising, this gives our exporters the confidence to grow and compete in China; quickly, credibly, and at scale,” Mr Simpson says.
“It’s another example of how we’re cutting red tape and aligning our standards with key trading partners to give Kiwi firms the certainty they need to succeed.”
How it works:
New Zealand’s ban on animal testing for cosmetics remains in place, giving Chinese consumers assurance that Kiwi products are high-quality, safe, sustainable, and ethically produced.
