New Zealand Concept Centre Shanghai

Build connections, brand visibility and capability in China

New Zealand businesses looking to China will have an entry point into the market when NZTE opens a New Zealand concept centre in Shanghai in November 2008, to be known as New Zealand Central.

Designed to help companies grow their business in China, New Zealand Central provides a physical presence and a heart and home for the New Zealand brand in Shanghai.

The business-to-business initiative will support sector and company strategies in the region and help businesses looking to make the most of the New Zealand China Free Trade Agreement at the time it is coming into force.

Concept Centre to help New Zealand businesses entry into Shanghai (Beehive.co.nz)
26 May 2008, Hon Phil Goff

A versatile space

New Zealand Central will provide a venue to demonstrate the best of New Zealand capability in a highly branded, professional environment with a number of practical and flexible spaces.

• A demonstration kitchen – ideal for food and beverage promotions and to support events, the kitchen can be utilised for chef and executive education, media events and product demonstrations.
• Multi-purpose function and event space – designed for 150 guests cocktail style or 60 guests for sit down dinner, the space is flexible enough to work for just about any type of event – from networking functions through to seminars, product launches and screenings.
• Meeting rooms featuring smart technology for interactive and multi-media presentations – these rooms can be joined to form a large boardroom.
• A lounge area for casual meetings.
• Hot desks and internet access for short market visits.
• Garden area for outdoor hospitality.
• Guest reception.

NZTE will also help companies negotiate a custom package with a serviced office provider who can assist with leasing space and setting up offices in China.

Click to view a more detailed floorplan (PDF, 197 KB)

More than a venue

For companies exploring the market or looking to create a long term presence in China, New Zealand Central will assist with capability building. An ongoing programme of events, promotions, seminars and networking will support trade and investment opportunities. New Zealand businesses can use the centre to build brand recognition, profile and a network of contacts.

While primarily a business-to-business initiative, New Zealand Central will also be well positioned to host key cultural events such as ANZAC Day.

A great location

Shanghai has a modern and flexible business climate and is an ideal gateway for New Zealand businesses entering China.

Location and visibility are vital to create an impact in a market as large and dynamic as Shanghai. New Zealand Central will be located on the edge of the prestigious Xintiandi area – arguably the most upmarket retail, leisure and residential precinct in Puxi (downtown Shanghai).

The modern third floor corner site with adjoining garden area provides excellent opportunities to showcase the best of New Zealand. With New Zealand Central located on the top floor, the floors below include commercial banks and upmarket retail and cafes.

China expansion plans

China offers important strategic opportunities for New Zealand companies. As New Zealand’s third largest bilateral trading partner and fourth largest export market for goods, China is already vitally important to New Zealand’s economy. In the last ten years New Zealand exports to China have increased almost 200 per cent a year. NZTE’s expansion plans will help maximise New Zealand’s trade with China.

New Zealand Central will be the most visible and significant investment that NZTE makes in China in 2008. Other initiatives include:

• opening of up to five more NZTE offices across China in the next four years
• development of the Beachheads programme in China
• participation at trade show Food and Hotel China
• New Zealand’s involvement in Shanghai Expo 2010.

Register your interest

To register interest and receive updates on New Zealand Central, email the project team with your full name and contact details: nzcentral@nzte.govt.nz.

>> Download the brochure (PDF, 338 KB)