Record number of NZ Businesses to attend CIIE in China
58 New Zealand businesses will exhibit at this year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai – the most since the event launched in 2018. They will be supported by Minister for Trade, Hon Todd McClay, who is travelling to China this week to open doors and raise the profile of Kiwi exporters in the market.
CIIE, the world’s largest import trade fair is expected to attract over 3,400 exhibitors and more than 400,000 visitors from over 50 countries.
“In 2023, over 20 New Zealand companies took part – this year it’s closer to 60, with exporters increasingly embracing the opportunity that CIIE offers to boost connections with local partners, launch new products and build brand awareness in China,” said New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Chief Executive, Peter Chrisp.
Many of New Zealand’s biggest exporters will have a stand at CIIE this year. Among the 58 exhibiting are companies such as Fonterra, Zespri, Silver Fern Farms and Comvita. The strong New Zealand presence demonstrates companies’ ongoing interest in China as New Zealand’s leading export destination.
“China is a huge consumer market and New Zealand’s largest trading partner worth over $20 billion in goods and services exports in the year to June 2024, more than 20% of our total exports,” said Mr Chrisp.
“With a robust free trade agreement in place, we expect Kiwi companies will continue to be active in the China market – not just in traditional areas like dairy, meat, wood and fruit, but also in emerging sectors that are driven by innovation, such as specialised manufacturing, health and wellbeing and gaming.”
“We are seeing increasing diversity in our exports to China, which will be an important factor in helping the government reach its target to double the value of exports in the next 10 years. The Minister for Trade’s presence at this year’s CIIE will help drive that goal by lifting New Zealand’s presence at the expo and opening doors for our businesses.”
In addition to attending CIIE the Minster will also spend time with New Zealand companies as part of the visit.
You can read more about the Minister’s plans on the Beehive website.
NZTE will be supporting the Minister’s business programme across both regions, as well as providing ongoing support to businesses looking to grow in China. NZTE works intensively with130 exporters in China and provides support to a further 200 operating in the market.
