New Zealand-China Friendship Society President Visits Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

Summary

On 24 June, New Zealand-China Friendship Society President Brett O’Riley and his delegation paid a visit to the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Wang Yu, Party Secretary and Executive Vice President of the Association, met the delegation, congratulated O’Riley on his election and spoke highly of his active role in promoting subnational exchanges between New Zealand and China. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on deepening people-to-people friendship and expanding practical cooperation.

Wang Yu highlighted the seminars on urban construction, cultural tourism development, and digital economy that the two organisations have held in recent years, which facilitated exchanges and mutual learning among professionals. He expressed hope for future cooperation in areas such as cultural exchanges, youth friendship, and economic, trade and professional talent collaboration. O’Riley thanked the Association for its support and noted that 2027 marks the centenary of Rewi Alley’s arrival in China.

He expressed his desire to jointly hold a series of commemorative events with the Association and other organisations to carry forward traditional friendship and explore effective ways to broaden practical cooperation.

Commentary

For small and medium enterprise owners in New Zealand, the visit by the NZCFS President to China highlights two key points. First, people-to-people diplomacy builds a bridge of trust for business cooperation. The two organisations have held multiple seminars on urban governance, cultural tourism and the digital economy – areas where SMEs can participate.

In particular, regarding the digital economy, New Zealand SMEs could draw on China’s experience in smart cities and the digital transformation of cultural tourism to seek technology or service exports. Second, the centenary commemorations for Rewi Alley in 2027 will offer a branding opportunity. SMEs can leverage this cultural symbol to launch co-branded products or themed activities with Chinese partners, raising brand awareness in the Chinese market.

It should also be noted that while high-level exchanges like this do not directly generate orders, they can improve the soft environment – such as visa facilitation and mutual recognition of industry standards – thereby lowering trade barriers. It is advisable to watch for any subsequent policies supporting special people-to-people exchange programmes.

Keywords: New Zealand-China Friendship Society, Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Brett O'Riley, Wang Yu, Rewi Alley, people-to-people friendship, practical cooperation, 2027, economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchange

Source: Baijiahao