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.