China–New Zealand 34th Joint Committee on Economy and Trade Held

Summary

On 5 June 2025, China’s Vice Minister of Commerce and Deputy International Trade Representative Li Chenggang and New Zealand’s Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Raewyn Moss co-chaired the 34th China–New Zealand Joint Committee on Economy and Trade in Beijing. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on deepening bilateral economic and trade relations and strengthening regional and multilateral cooperation. Li Chenggang stated that under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ leaders, the potential for China–New Zealand economic and trade cooperation continues to be unleashed, and further efforts should be made to advance trade and investment cooperation and jointly push forward negotiations on a negative list for trade in services under the Free Trade Agreement.

He noted that under the current international economic and trade situation, China and New Zealand should jointly uphold the multilateral trading system centred on the World Trade Organization and enhance collaboration under regional frameworks such as APEC. Moss emphasised that China remains New Zealand’s largest trading partner and largest source of international students, and China’s sustained and stable economic growth is crucial for New Zealand. New Zealand is willing to continue expanding bilateral economic and trade cooperation, accelerate negotiations on the negative list for services trade, and welcome more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in New Zealand.

New Zealand congratulated China on the successful hosting of the APEC Trade Ministers’ Meeting and expressed willingness to strengthen communication and coordination with China in regional and multilateral mechanisms. The Joint Committee provides an institutional guarantee for China–New Zealand economic and trade cooperation; specific negotiation progress will be announced subsequently.

Commentary

For SME owners in New Zealand, this Joint Committee on Economy and Trade sends a positive signal. Progress in negotiations on a negative list for trade in services means that New Zealand businesses in education, tourism, professional services, and other fields may gain more relaxed market access in the future. For example, SMEs in areas such as study-abroad services, consulting, and design can monitor differences in negative lists across Chinese provinces and cities in advance, and plan their online and offline channels.

Meanwhile, the joint commitment to upholding the multilateral trading system helps maintain a stable export environment and reduces uncertainties around tariff and non-tariff barriers. However, note that China’s compliance requirements are becoming increasingly stringent—for instance, food safety and environmental standards—so exporters should track policy developments continuously. On the other hand, the Joint Committee’s encouragement of Chinese investment in New Zealand may bring competitive pressure to local SMEs, but may also provide opportunities for capital or technology through partnerships.

For instance, New Zealand’s speciality food, forestry, and tourism sectors can proactively engage with Chinese capital to develop joint brands. In summary, this Joint Committee injects policy stability into China–New Zealand economic and trade ties. Businesses should seize the window of services trade liberalisation while also strengthening their local market defences.

Keywords: China-New Zealand Joint Committee on Economy and Trade, Li Chenggang, Raewyn Moss, negative list for trade in services, bilateral economic and trade cooperation, multilateral trading system, APEC, largest trading partner, investment and business, trade negotiations

Source: Penguin Number