New MOFCOM Spokesperson Unveils SCO Trade Growth

Summary

Huang Ling, the newly appointed spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, made her debut at a press conference on August 27,

highlighting the progress of economic and trade cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Trade between China and other SCO member states surged from US$12.1 billion in 2001 to US$523.5 billion in 2025, while direct investment reached US$3.3 billion in 2025. From January to July 2026, China-Europe freight trains operated 13,

000 trips, a year-on-year increase of 17.6 percent.

Commentary

The rise in SCO trade to US$523.5 billion, coupled with faster inflows of Russian and Central Asian agricultural products into China, could intensify competition for New Zealand dairy and meat exporters. Meanwhile,

the 17.6 percent growth in China-Europe freight train services and accelerating cross-border e-commerce exports present opportunities for New Zealand SMEs. By leveraging Chinese bonded warehouses and the China-Europe rail network, these businesses could explore Central Asian markets, though careful assessment of local tariffs and cold-chain logistics remains essential.

Keywords: Ministry of Commerce, Huang Ling, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, economic and trade cooperation, trade volume, China-Europe freight trains, direct investment, press conference

摘要

商务部新任发言人黄玲8月27日亮相发布会，介绍上合组织经贸合作成果：中国与其他成员国贸易额从2001年121亿美元增至2025年5235亿美元；2025年直接投资33亿美元；中欧班列2026年1-7月开行1.3万列，同比增长17.6%。

评论

上合贸易额增至5235亿美元，俄及中亚农产品加速输华，或挤压新西兰乳制品、肉类在华份额。中欧班列增长17.6%，跨境电商出口加快，新西兰中小企业可借助中国保税仓经中欧班列试水中亚市场，但需评估当地关税与冷链。

关键词: 商务部, 黄玲, 上合组织, 经贸合作, 贸易额, 中欧班列, 直接投资, 新闻发布会

Source: Global Times