EventsFeaturesImage galleriesMediaPublicationsAnnual reportAsia White PaperBusinesslinkNewslettersPost Election BriefStatement of intentTrade matters
The Seriously Asia Forum in 2003, chaired by the Prime Minister and involving many sectors of the community, triggered a new level of interest by New Zealanders in Asia. The meeting and its associated events challenged New Zealand to look seriously at our country’s relations with Asia if we wanted Asia to look seriously at us. Seriously Asia reminded us that the relationship should not be driven simply by commercial considerations – our links must cover the full spectrum of interests and issues relevant to both sides.
Since the forum, New Zealand’s relations with the region have expanded and deepened across many sectors, including trade and economic co-operation, political and security dialogue, science and technology, education, arts and culture, and development assistance.
Our non-official contacts have also grown considerably as a result of the commitment of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, local government, and many other players across the private sector, academia, science, arts and cultural organisations, NGOs and media.
New Zealand has four posts (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong) and nine agencies based in China: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (including Investment New Zealand), New Zealand Defence Force, Immigration New Zealand, Ministry of Education, New Zealand Police, New Zealand Customs Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and Tourism New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand has by far the largest team, underlining the rapid growth in people-to-people contact between our two countries. The official New Zealand presence in China constitutes a major commitment of government resources but is essential for engagement.
Next > Asia keeps Changing
