On March 13th, the Certification Ceremony for the Changzhou Center of the New Zealand National Brands Programme was held in Auckland, New Zealand. NEXT Federation formally authorized China’s Yitian Group to establish the Changzhou Center of the New Zealand National Brands Programme in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, serving as the first offline exhibition center for the programme.
Image: Scene of the Certification Ceremony for the Changzhou Center of the New Zealand National Brands Programme.
China-New Zealand relations are mutually beneficial. New Zealand holds several “firsts” in its relationship with China, including being the first country to conclude bilateral negotiations with China upon its accession to the World Trade Organization, the first to recognize China’s full market economy status, and the first to sign a free trade agreement with China. China has become New Zealand’s largest trading partner, accounting for approximately 30% of New Zealand’s exports of goods and services. According to data from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the trade sector contributes 60% to New Zealand’s national economy and 50% to its employment, with one-fourth of New Zealand’s employment provided by the export sector.
Trade cooperation continues to deepen. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) officially entered into force on January 1st, 2022. The Upgrade Protocol of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) officially entered into force on April 7th, 2022. Meanwhile, China is actively pursuing accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), efforts that signify China’s commitment to high-level opening up to the outside world and will bring new growth momentum to China-New Zealand economic and trade cooperation. These measures continually advance the strong development of New Zealand’s national brands in the Chinese market.
Mr Chang Kewei, Chairman of Yi Tian Group, introduced Changzhou City, with a population exceeding 5.3 million and a GDP surpassing 1 trillion RMB in 2023, making it the fifth city in Jiangsu Province with a GDP exceeding 1 trillion RMB. Economic development has led to a highly developed commercial sector and an upgrade in consumer demand among the local population. Changzhou citizens’ demand for high-quality products and technological services from New Zealand is growing rapidly. Mr Chang introduced the business development and industrial resources of the Yitian Group in cities such as Changzhou. By establishing the Changzhou Center of the New Zealand National Brands Programme at Wujin People’s Shopping Mall in Changzhou, the Yitian Group aims to further promote two-way investment attraction and the landing of commercial, technological, and R&D projects.
Image: Mr. Chang Kewei, Chairman of Yi Tian Group, delivering a speech.
Image: Wujin People’s Shopping Mall in Changzhou
Mr Tony Browne, Chairman of the Council of NEXT Federation and former New Zealand Ambassador to China, stated that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand. At this important juncture, the establishment of the Changzhou Center of the New Zealand National Brands Programme provides new opportunities for the deepening of trade in goods and services between New Zealand and China. The success stories of Chinese companies like the Yitian Group, which represent open cooperation and pragmatic development, should be heard throughout New Zealand. The passion and vision of both parties to strengthen pragmatic cooperation are highly compatible. It is hoped that the executive teams of both parties will enhance communication and cooperation, actively overcome difficulties and challenges, and build and develop the Changzhou Center of the New Zealand National Brands Programme well.
Image: Mr Tony Browne, Chairman of the Council of NEXT Federation and former New Zealand Ambassador to China, delivering a speech.
Mr Brent OGILVIE, Founder and Managing Director of Pacific Channel, Ms Yan ZHANG, International Business Officer of Auckland Business Chamber, Board Member of New Zealand China Trade Association, Mr Chalres YOU, Chief Supervisor of NEXT Federation, Chairman of New Zealand Jiangsu Chamber of Commerce, Dr FU Xiaoying, Executive Member of the Council of NEXT Federation, and others spoke and exchanged views on aspects such as technology investment, goods trade, chamber cooperation, and project landing. Mrs ZOU Lifeng, Managing Director of Yi Tian Group and Mr William ZHUANG, Founder of Newo Tech attended the meeting. Dr. Jun CHEN, Secretary General of NEXT Federation, presided over the authorization ceremony.
The New Zealand National Brands Programme, initiated by NEXT Federation and New Zealand China Business Roundtable, aims to inspire active New Zealand national brands on the global stage, integrate and share global partner resources, and jointly serve the reputation building, brand promotion, and economic and trade development processes of New Zealand in major global markets, promoting innovation, craftsmanship, and national spirit, and facilitating global innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. Currently, formal members of the New Zealand National Brands Programme include Fonterra, Zespri, Queenstown, Silver Fern Farms, The Warehouse, Rockit Apple, Ewaters, and Babich. These brands cover industries such as dairy, fruit, red meat, tourism, wine, smart water, and others.