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Some will remember it as the time of bell-bottoms and psychedelic prints. For others, 1972 was the year New Zealand’s rowing eight took gold at the Olympics, or the launch of the digital watch. Things have come a long way since New Zealand and China established a diplomatic relationship, fifty years ago.
At the time, two-way trade between the countries was just $1.7 million. In the following year, the first minister-led trade mission went to China and met with Premier Zhou Enlai at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
In 1974 Gerry Cheyne was appointed as the first Trade Commissioner in Beijing, along with a small team by the Department of Trade & Industry – later to become New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).
In the 1990s, the team in China grew, with offices set up in Shanghai in 1992 and Guangzhou in 1999.
In 2008 a significant milestone was reached when the Free Trade Agreement was signed. By then, bilateral trade had reached an impressive $8 billion.
Fast-forward to today, New Zealand’s international business growth agency NZTE has 40 people based across three offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
So how does New Zealand Trade and Enterprise support kiwi businesses to get up and running in China? We offer a wide range of online and in-person services for companies, depending on what stage they are at on their exporting journey.
NZTE’s in-market Business Development Managers have specific sector knowledge and experience to help New Zealand businesses build connections and capabilities in China. Their expertise covers food and beverage, consumer goods, agribusiness, tech and services, and other advanced manufacturing. With on the ground connections and knowledge, our teams share market insights and connect people with local business partners, offering strategic advice and running promotional activities along with New Zealand businesses.
In 2009, to support New Zealand companies’ growing business interest in China, New Zealand Central was opened in Shanghai. A tailor-made event and co-working space operated by NZTE, the facility is available for New Zealand businesses entering or operating in China. Featuring iconic design, event facilities, commercial kitchen, and in a prime location, New Zealand Central provides the professional space and staff to support companies to run business functions, promotions, and events in the market.
Over a hundred kiwi businesses now have a base in China, enabling them to quickly respond to market demand and provide excellent service to local customers.
In an increasingly dynamic and complex business environment, NZTE team is working closely with New Zealand companies to build digital and ecommerce capability in China.
In April 2022, the Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and China was upgraded, further supporting trade between our countries. From under $2 million in 1972, the trade relationship is today valued at over $32 billion, making China New Zealand’s largest trading partner globally.
NZTE’s team in China is committed to supporting New Zealand exporters to plan their entry into the Chinese market, connect to the right partners, grow, and forge a stronger trade relationship in China.