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PM meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Rt Hon John Key
Prime Minister

20 November 2014
Media Statement
PM meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Prime Minister John Key held successful talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wellington today.

“This is President Xi’s third official visit to New Zealand, but his first as President, so it’s a very significant occasion. I’m delighted that the First Lady, Madame Peng, has also joined him on this trip,” says Mr Key.

“Our relationship with China has never been in better shape. China is now New Zealand’s largest trading partner and we have strong links in a number of areas including business, tourism and education.

“Today we have agreed to characterise the relationship between our nations as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, recognising the significance of the bilateral relationship to both countries.”

Ten new agreements and arrangements between New Zealand and China have been signed, including an amendment to the Free Trade Agreement that will enable a television co-production arrangement.

“These agreements, in a range of areas, are a further reflection of the growing depth of New Zealand and China’s strong relationship,” says Mr Key.

“The Television Co-production Agreement will allow programmes co-produced by New Zealand and Chinese companies to be officially broadcast on Chinese TV, where potential viewing audiences are huge.

“China has become our fastest-growing, and second-largest, source of visitors and to recognise that today we have announced a new initiative to extend the China Working Holiday Scheme, which will enable Chinese Working Holiday makers to work for the same employer for up to six months.”

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Other initiatives signed today include:

• an arrangement on the mutual recognition of academic qualifications in higher education
• a Food Supervisory and Traceability Cooperation Programme between the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries and the China Food and Drug Administration
• an arrangement between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the China National Tourism Administration to work together to improve the tourist experience in both countries
• a new partnership between New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce.
• an arrangement between the Government of New Zealand and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Antarctic Cooperation
• an arrangement between the Government of New Zealand and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Climate Change Cooperation.

“I am delighted to host President Xi and Madame Peng in New Zealand and I hope they enjoy the rest of their time here.”


Please find attached a list of the arrangements/ agreements signed.

China and New Zealand Agreements and Arrangements

1. Arrangement between the Government of New Zealand and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Climate Change Cooperation

This arrangement signals New Zealand’s intention to work more closely with China on developing carbon markets, emissions trading and other market mechanisms.

It also shows the two sides’ mutual interest in seeking progress on common areas of interest in international climate change negotiations, domestic policies and initiatives in specific sectors, including agriculture.

2. An Exchange of Letters Constituting an Agreement to Amend the Free Trade Agreement between the Government of New Zealand and the Government of the People’s Republic of China

Since the FTA entered into force in 2008, the economic relationship has developed quickly. The goal of doubling two-way merchandise trade to NZ$20 billion by 2015 was met in August 2014, and a new target of NZ$30 billion per annum by 2020 is in New Zealand’s sights.

It is important that New Zealand continues to look at ways to build upon and modernise the FTA, keeping it in step with the evolving nature of our bilateral relationship.

This Exchange of Letters is required in order to conclude the Television Programmes Co-Production Agreement.

3. Television Programmes Co-Production Agreement between the Government of New Zealand and the Government of the People’s Republic of China

This agreement will allow New Zealand and China to work together on official television co-productions.

New Zealand is the first country in the world to sign a Television Co-production Agreement with China, and joins the 2010 Film Co-Production Agreement between the two countries.

This will enable approved joint television projects to gain “official co-production” status, which gives approved producers access to funding and incentives in line with those available for ‘national’ programmes in each country.

This agreement will provide opportunities for New Zealand producers to secure broadcast slots on Chinese TV, as well as overseas finance, and assistance with temporary immigration and importation of equipment.

4. Food Supervisory and Traceability Cooperation Programme between the China Food and Drug Administration of the People’s Republic of China and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand and China share a common interest in providing safe food to all consumers in our domestic and export markets.

New Zealand and China are both developing and implementing new domestic food laws where traceability features as a key consideration. This programme will allow them to share information, ensuring both countries have the best possible food safety practice.

5. Arrangement between The National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment of New Zealand on Dialogue and Cooperation on Tourism Matters

This arrangement will broaden areas of cooperation between government tourism policy departments. The two departments will work together to enhance the tourist experience in both countries, and manage any emerging risks.

With tourist numbers from China reaching 242,800 for the year ended September 2014, an increase of 2.7%, it is important that both sides learn from each other in a changing tourism industry.

6. Arrangement on Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications in Higher Education between The Government of New Zealand and The Government of the People’s Republic of China

New Zealand values its education relationship with China. The economic contribution to New Zealand from Chinese International students was $800 million in 2012, up from $600 million in 2008.

The two countries will work together to increase further education cooperation including encouraging teacher and student exchange programmes, and increasing Chinese language learning in New Zealand.

This arrangement updates existing guidelines that allow the qualifications students achieve in New Zealand to be recognised for further study in China, and vice versa.

7. Arrangement between Immigration New Zealand and China UnionPay on Visa Processing Facilitation for Qualifying UnionPay Card Holders

This will provide streamlined visa processing for holders of UnionPay premium credit cards.

The agreement with China UnionPay will enable holders of Platinum and Diamond UnionPay credit cards to provide evidence of their ‘premium card’ status in lieu of employment and funds documentation.

Applicants will still need to meet all other requirements, including being of good character and an acceptable standard of health.

8. Cooperation Arrangement between the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

NZTE and CCCFNP will regularly discuss new technologies, marketing techniques and events, investment promotion, training, and visits to enhance agricultural cooperation, at an important time for food trade between the two countries.

9. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Project Development among China Development Bank Corporation and PF Olsen Limited New Zealand and China Forestry Group

This MOU will facilitate further Chinese state investment in the New Zealand forestry sector, and also will enable PF Olsen to help improve the productivity of China’s own forests.

NZ Forestry exports to China for the year ended September 2014 were worth $1.6 billion (MPI, Stats NZ).

10. Arrangement between the Government of New Zealand and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Antarctic Cooperation

The arrangement allows New Zealand to engage more closely with China on environmental management, science and logistics.

As future neighbours in the Ross Sea region, New Zealand looks forward to working constructively together with China in Antarctica.


A joint statement will be available shortly at www.beehive.govt.nz


© Scoop Media

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