Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jenny Shipley praised China’s policy stability and continued opening up during the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 in Hainan. She described China as a consistent and reliable global voice, noting widespread international recognition of its steady foreign policy. Shipley highlighted the Hainan Free Trade Port as an exciting initiative expected to attract growing foreign enterprise interest. She said China’s 15th Five Year Plan sends a clear signal of further economic openness, creating new opportunities for multinational cooperation.

The World Data Organization (United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development) has been formally established following its first general meeting in Beijing, where members adopted the organisation’s charter and elected its inaugural council and board of supervisors. According to the preparatory committee, the WDO aims to strengthen global data governance, promote secure and trustworthy data exchange, and support the growth of the digital economy.

Hong Kong will introduce new safety requirements for prepackaged konjac containing jelly confectionery from April 1, following the commencement of the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) (Amendment) Regulation 2025. The rules prohibit the sale of mini cup konjac jellies measuring 45 millimetres or less in height or width, due to choking risks for children and the elderly. All other prepackaged konjac jelly products must carry a clear bilingual warning: “Caution: Do not swallow whole. Elderly and children must consume under supervision.”

China will launch an “AI Plus Education” initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into classrooms from an early stage, accelerating the country’s broader digital transformation. According to the Ministry of Education, the plan aims to establish a comprehensive AI education system by 2030, covering all levels of schooling and extending to the wider public. The initiative is designed to strengthen digital literacy, support economic adaptation, and ensure students gain early exposure to emerging technologies.

China has announced new measures to strengthen its national freight transport hubs as part of a broader effort to modernise the country’s logistics network. According to an official notice, around 30 cities and city clusters will receive support from 2026 to upgrade comprehensive freight hubs and boost capacity for strategic materials and key industrial goods. The plan aims to accelerate development of a safer, more efficient, and internationally connected logistics system.

China will further open its services industry by expanding pilot programs in value added telecommunications, biotechnology and wholly foreign owned hospitals, the Ministry of Commerce announced. The ministry will refine the negative list for cross border trade in services and develop national demonstration zones to drive innovation. Efforts will also focus on boosting services consumption through new business models and improved lifestyle services, including domestic services, accommodation and catering. M

New Zealand and India have completed legal verification of their Free Trade Agreement, clearing the way for signing on 27 April in New Delhi. Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says the deal offers “once in a generation” access to a market of 1.4 billion people and positions New Zealand to benefit from Most Favoured Nation provisions for wine and services. The FTA removes or reduces tariffs on 95% of New Zealand exports, with 57% duty free from day one, rising to 82% when fully implemented. The agreement will now proceed through Parliament’s treaty examination process.

The first phase of the 139th China Import and Export Fair has closed with a record 167,000 overseas buyers from 216 countries and regions, according to the China Foreign Trade Center. Attendance rose 5.9% from the previous edition, underscoring the resilience of China’s foreign trade. The phase, themed “advancing manufacturing,” featured over 25,000 booths and 12,000 exhibitors. Held in Guangzhou, the fair runs in three phases through 5 May. The second phase, from 23–27 April, will highlight “quality home life,” including building materials, furniture, household goods, gifts, and decorations.

New Zealand’s tourism sector has continued its upward trajectory, with strong growth from China playing a central role in the recovery. Chinese visitor arrivals have risen sharply as air connectivity improved and targeted marketing campaigns resumed across major mainland cities. Tourism Minister Louise Upston said Chinese travellers remain vital to regional tourism, supporting hospitality, retail and experience based operators nationwide. Overall international arrivals reached 4.2 million, with total tourism spending climbing to NZ$12.5 billion.

Hong Kong recorded a provisional consolidated HK$11.2 billion surplus for the year ending March 31, 2026 after taking into account HK$156 billion received from issuance of Government Bonds and repayment of HK$52 billion principal on Government Bonds, according to new financial results released by the Government. Revenue reached HK$697.5 billion, outperforming estimates due to stronger than expected profits tax, stamp duties and land premium income. Expenditure totalled HK$790.3 billion, coming in below forecast. Fiscal reserves stood at HK$665.5 billion at year end.

China has reaffirmed its commitment to high standard opening up, with Vice Premier He Lifeng telling Jardine Matheson executive chairman Ben Keswick that foreign enterprises are welcome to deepen cooperation in the country. During their meeting in Beijing, He said China’s 15th Five Year Plan will create broader market opportunities through high quality development and expanded access. He encouraged global firms to participate in major initiatives such as the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area.

Wellington and Beijing marked 20 years of sister city ties with a joint concert in Wellington featuring New Zealand and Chinese artists. The event opened with Māori kapa haka and traditional instrumental performances, followed by Chinese classics from the China Conservatory of Music. Wellington Deputy Mayor Ben McNulty said the partnership now spans culture, education, trade, innovation and tourism, stressing the importance of multicultural connection amid global tensions.

New Zealand’s population reached an estimated 5,361,300 as at 31 March 2026, according to provisional figures from Stats NZ. The increase reflects continued net migration gains alongside natural population growth. Strong migrant arrivals - particularly skilled workers and returning New Zealanders - remain a key driver of the country’s demographic expansion. Population growth was recorded across most regions, supporting labour markets and contributing to economic activity.

Nine leading companies from Korea, the Mainland, France, and Hong Kong have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate Hong Kong’s hydrogen development. Announced at the International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2026, the collaboration - spearheaded by Hyundai Motor Group - aims to build a full hydrogen ecosystem by 2030, including waste to hydrogen production, liquefied hydrogen refuelling, and deployment of hydrogen powered commercial vehicles.

New Zealand has confirmed the full details of its new senior secondary qualifications, replacing NCEA with the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) at Year 12 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) at Year 13. Students will study at least five subjects, with a new six point grading scale from A+ to E and compulsory literacy and numeracy requirements. Certificates will clearly show subjects passed and grades earned, with endorsement awards for top achievers.

Hong Kong has welcomed 22 new strategic enterprises through the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), strengthening the city’s innovation ecosystem. The cohort includes global leaders in pharmaceuticals, microprocessors, AGI, smart mobility, eVTOL technology, digital assets, and game development. Collectively, these firms are expected to bring HK$73 billion in investment and create 25,000 high end R&D and management jobs. The companies are partnering with universities, hospitals and industry to pilot advanced technologies and expand globally from Hong Kong.

China’s customs authorities have intensified efforts to protect intellectual property rights, maintaining a firm stance against infringement. In 2025, customs seized 86.42 million suspected infringing items, helping right holders from 57 countries and regions safeguard their IP. High risk channels such as cross border e commerce and market procurement trade saw targeted enforcement, with e commerce remaining the largest source of intercepted goods. The plan is to expand the use of big data and artificial intelligence to strengthen risk analysis and enhance China’s participation in shaping international IP rules.

The Government is overhauling how major infrastructure projects are selected and monitored, shifting external assurance from Treasury to the independent New Zealand Infrastructure Commission. Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say the reforms will give Ministers clearer, more consistent “go/no go” advice, reduce duplication, and prevent weak projects from gaining momentum. A new two page Treasury fitness assessment, stronger oversight of high risk investments, and dedicated assurance for asset management and long term plans aim to lift performance.

New Zealand will extend copyright protection for iconic Kiwi music recordings from 50 to 70 years, aligning the country with international standards and ensuring artists retain control and earnings for longer. Announced by Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer, the reform safeguards classics such as I See Red and April Sun in Cuba, while also protecting today’s musicians and future creators.

New Zealand’s Budget 2026 delivers a NZ$7 billion capital investment boost to strengthen national infrastructure and support thousands of jobs. Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said the package funds major upgrades across hospitals, schools, roads, rail, defence, social housing and local facilities. Investments include a new 158 bed tower at Whangārei Hospital, redevelopment planning for regional hospitals, new classrooms and school sites, the next Waikato Expressway stage, transport resilience projects, rail upgrades, and up to 2,250 additional social homes.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has welcomed the Judiciary’s decision to establish the Hong Kong International Commercial Court (HKICC), a major step in strengthening the city’s role as a global dispute resolution hub. Chief Executive John Lee said the initiative aligns with the National 15th Five Year Plan, which supports Hong Kong in enhancing its rule of law capacity and international legal services. The HKICC will handle complex, high value cross border commercial disputes, drawing on judges from Hong Kong and other common law jurisdictions.

Hong Kong has launched a two month public consultation on its First Five Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026–2030), marking a major milestone in long term strategic planning. The Government said the plan will outline Hong Kong’s development vision across the economy, industry upgrading, spatial planning, infrastructure, green transformation and key livelihood areas including healthcare, education, housing and elderly care.

China has reported significant progress in conserving its world natural heritage sites, with 90% rated “excellent” or “good” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature - well above global and Asian averages. Marking Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration said China now has 15 natural and four mixed heritage sites covering over 80,000 sq km across 20 regions. More than 80% of sites have undergone nature based restoration under the national park centered protected area system.

New Zealand’s food and fibre exports are forecast to reach a record NZ$64.3 billion (HK$290 billion) in the year to June 2026, driven by strong global demand and high-performing primary industries, Minister Todd McClay announced at Fieldays. The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report highlights rising dairy, red meat, kiwifruit and apple revenues, with dairy alone expected to hit $28.6 billion. Meat and wool are projected to climb to $14.1 billion, and horticulture to $9.5 billion.