New Zealand businesses trade with China

26 March 2007

New arrangement to help New Zealand businesses trade with China

An arrangement between Standards New Zealand and China's peak standards development organisation is a great step towards increasing trade between the two countries, says Richard Westlake, Chairman of the Standards New Zealand Council.

The Joint Co-operation Arrangement, between Standards New Zealand and the Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China (SAC), will be signed today at Parliament.

The arrangement will be signed by the Chairman of Standards New Zealand, Mr Richard Westlake and the Administrator of SAC Mr Liu Pingjun. The Vice-Premier of China Zeng Peiyan, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Michael Cullen, and Minister of Commerce Leanne Dalziel will be overseeing the signing ceremony.

"The arrangement will help to increase the standardisation of products, services and technical specifications to establish a common language that will assist New Zealand companies looking to expand into China's booming economy," says Mr Westlake.

The key features of the arrangement are: Exchanging information on the infrastructures of both organisations; Discussing the potential for co-operation in international standardisation to facilitate trade between New Zealand and China; Examining the possibility of a portal to exchange information on domestic standards; Provide advice on technical regulations; Engage in expert visits and academic exchange. "Standards New Zealand is looking forward to working with SAC and adding value to their organisation. It is also important that we continue to build international relationships that will benefit New Zealand exporters and our economy, says Mr Westlake.

For more information on Standards New Zealand see: www.standards.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media