Premier Li Qiang Meets US-China Business Council Board Delegation

Summary

On the afternoon of 1 September 2026, Premier Li Qiang met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with a visiting delegation led by McCain, chairman of the board of the US-China Business Council. Li said China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial,

describing China's market as both 'large' and 'new', and welcomed US companies to seize the opportunities. McCain said the US business community has confidence in China's 15th Five-Year Plan and its economic outlook, and is willing to continue deepening its presence in China and expanding investment.

Commentary

Li Qiang's meeting with the US-China Business Council delegation signals a stabilisation in China-US trade relations, easing policy uncertainty for global supply chains. For New Zealand SMEs, China's 'large and new' market offers premium opportunities in smart consumption and green consumption sectors, such as organic food and health technology. However, deeper engagement by US companies in China will intensify competition in agricultural products: in dairy, NZ remains the largest import source, but US marketing spend is rising.

NZ SMEs should capitalise on RCEP zero-tariff advantages to strengthen their 'grass-fed' and 'pure' differentiation, avoiding price wars. The 15th Five-Year Plan's emphasis on green consumption gives NZ clean technology an entry point onto local government procurement lists, and early engagement with pilot cities is recommended.

Keywords: Li Qiang, McCain, US-China Business Council, China-US economic and trade cooperation, Beijing, delegation, mutual benefit, 15th Five-Year Plan

Summary in Chinese | 摘要

2026年9月1日下午，国务院总理李强在北京人民大会堂会见美中贸易全国委员会董事会主席麦凯恩率领的访华团。李强强调中美经贸合作互利共赢，表示中国是兼具“大”和“新”特点的市场，欢迎美企抢抓机遇。麦凯恩表示美工商界对中国“十五五”规划及经济前景充满信心，愿继续深耕中国、扩大投资。

Commentary in Chinese | 评论

李强会见美中贸委会代表团，释放中美经贸趋稳信号，降低全球供应链政策不确定性。对新西兰中小企业，中国市场“大而新”在智能消费、绿色消费领域带来高溢价机会，如有机食品、健康科技。但美国企业深耕中国将加剧农产品竞争：乳制品领域，NZ仍是最大进口来源，但美企营销投入上升。

NZ SME应利用RCEP零关税优势强化“草饲”“纯净”差异化，避免价格战。中国“十五五”规划对绿色消费的重视，为NZ清洁技术进入地方采购清单提供切入点，可提前对接试点城市。

关键词: 李强, 麦凯恩, 美中贸易全国委员会, 中美经贸合作, 北京, 访华团, 互利共赢, 十五五规划

Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand