Summary
Vice-President Han Zheng attended and addressed the opening ceremony of the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen, Fujian province, on September 8. He made three proposals: fostering new prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation, cultivating new growth drivers through innovation, and ensuring the stability and smooth operation of industrial chains. Han said China has granted zero-tariff treatment to 63 countries, removed all market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing, and is progressively opening up service sectors including telecommunications and healthcare.
He added that China will expand voluntary opening-up and facilitate greater foreign investment. Isabelle Durant, Acting Secretary-General of UNCTAD, along with other dignitaries, attended and delivered speeches. Before the opening, Han toured the pavilions of guest-of-honour countries such as Saudi Arabia and Finland.
On the afternoon of September 7, he met with representatives of multinational companies.
Commentary
China's move to lift all market access barriers on foreign investment in manufacturing and expand opening in services like telecommunications and healthcare presents a wider avenue for New Zealand small and medium-sized enterprises to move beyond traditional agricultural trade. While large exporters such as Fonterra have already leveraged the New Zealand-China FTA, smaller manufacturers and service providers can now explore higher-value sectors in China. At the same time, China's zero-tariff policy for 63 countries and its focus on supply chain stability could reinforce New Zealand's role as a premium supplier of food and timber, though it will face stiff competition from rivals like Australia.
The presence of Saudi Arabia and Finland as guest-of-honour countries signals China's efforts to broaden its sources of foreign investment. New Zealand companies should use platforms such as CIFIT to connect with regional markets across China, rather than relying solely on commodity exports. Han Zheng's call for maintaining smooth supply chains aligns with New Zealand's credentials as a dependable supplier, but the real benefits will hinge on policy implementation at the local level.
Keywords: Han Zheng, China International Fair for Investment and Trade, CIFIT, two-way investment, zero tariffs, foreign investment access, opening up, global development, industrial chains, multinational companies
Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand
Disclaimer: This article is compiled from publicly available sources for general information only. The analysis and commentary are editorial opinions. MiDeer Observer does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Readers should seek independent professional advice before relying on this content, or contact us for more information.
