NZ businesses deliver $340 million trade boost for NZ in China
This week in China, New Zealand companies announced deals that amounted to more than $340 million in projected new export business over the next three years.
Minister for Trade, Hon Todd McClay, joined NZTE at two New Zealand-China Business-to-Business Partnership events, held in Shanghai during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) on 5 November and in Guangzhou, southern China, on 7 November.
At the events, 17 New Zealand companies, who are supported by NZTE in China, unveiled new business partnership initiatives.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Chief Executive, Peter Chrisp, said: “China is a significant market for New Zealand businesses. At 4.6% annual GDP growth rate, the China economy has been a bit slower than we have been used to. However, there are still plenty of opportunities and upside for those who are committed.
“The Chinese market never stands still. There are always new consumer niches, new channels to market, new local competition, and increasingly Chinese consumers are preferring Chinese brands. This market is dynamic and fast moving.
“Even in the face of this we are seeing increased growth in our exports to China across health, nutrition and wellbeing products, while our traditional exports, like high-quality food and beverage, remain in high demand by Chinese consumers.
“Having 60 businesses en masse in China created a ‘halo’ effect where the New Zealand story and reputation were made stronger than having companies visit individually. There is always a lot of benefit in going to the market as Team New Zealand. The strong engagement this week marks another positive step towards the Government’s goal to double the value of exports in the next 10 years.”
In Shanghai, Whittaker’s Chocolate signed an exclusive agreement with a Chinese distributor with the aim of doubling its online sales in the next three years.
“We are very excited about our new partnership and the potential here in China. New Zealand has a great reputation for producing high quality products loved by Chinese consumers, so we know there is plenty of opportunity to grow the Whittaker’s brand further,” said Holly Whittaker, Co-Chief Operating Officer, Whittaker’s Chocolate.
Kevin Maurice, Founder and CEO of Atrax Group, which signed two strategic agreements with Chinese aviation partners in Guangzhou, said:
“We are pleased to be a part of the Minister’s visit to Guangzhou and grateful to NZTE for the ongoing support to develop our business here. Our new partnerships demonstrate the growing diversity of New Zealand’s exports to China. We are proud to be bringing our world-leading technology to this dynamic market.”
While in Shanghai, the Minister visited New Zealand exhibitors at CIIE, hosted a series of business events to help raise the profile of New Zealand’s trade capabilities, and spoke at the re-opening of New Zealand Central, New Zealand’s bespoke business and event space in Shanghai. In Guangzhou, the Minister visited New Zealand manufacturing company Cossiga, as well as a major Chinese produce distribution partner and senior leadership of a significant retailer to strengthen relationships and seek out new business opportunities.
