Association Leader Meets NZ China Friendship Society Chair O’Boyle

Summary

Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries vice-president Su Lin met a delegation led by New Zealand China Friendship Society president O'Boyle on 18 September. The two sides exchanged views on preparations for next year's commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of Rewi Alley's arrival in China and the 130th anniversary of his birth. Su said the Shanghai association attaches great importance to the preparations and will organise related events in line with Shanghai's circumstances within the overall framework of the national association's programme.

Su said the commemorations should focus on youth, peace and the future, using the centenary of Alley's arrival as a new starting point to renew the Alley spirit in the new era and deepen people-to-people friendship between China and New Zealand. O'Boyle praised Shanghai's preparatory plans. He outlined New Zealand's arrangements, including oral history interviews, youth leader exchanges, commemorative video production and reciprocal delegation visits, with a focus on youth inheritance and sustaining friendship.

The two sides reached consensus on next steps, agreeing to maintain close communication, refine plans and work together to ensure the commemorations deliver results. Press & hold the QR code to follow us

Commentary

As a symbolic figure in China-New Zealand friendship, Rewi Alley's commemorations carry not only historical significance but also a practical function in advancing people-to-people exchanges. The collaboration between the New Zealand China Friendship Society and Shanghai, focusing on youth leader exchanges and oral history projects, offers potential cultural and educational entry points for New Zealand small and medium-sized enterprises. China-New Zealand trade ties are close, with China being New Zealand's largest trading partner, yet mutual public understanding remains asymmetrical.

Such commemorative activities can help lower cultural barriers and create a more friendly soft environment for SMEs entering the Chinese market. From an industry perspective, New Zealand's education, tourism and creative sectors could leverage the Alley theme to develop study tours or cultural products, particularly targeting middle-class families in China's second- and third-tier cities. At the same time, youth exchange programmes may foster future business networks, warranting early positioning by local firms.

If the commemorations are successfully delivered, they will strengthen New Zealand's brand image in China and indirectly benefit export-oriented SMEs.

Keywords: Rewi Alley, New Zealand China Friendship Society, Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, O'Boyle, Su Lin, commemorative activities, China-New Zealand people-to-people friendship, youth exchange

Summary in Chinese | 摘要

9月18日，上海市对外友协副会长宿琳会见了到访的新西兰中国友好协会主席欧百利一行，双方围绕明年路易·艾黎来华100周年暨诞辰130周年纪念活动筹备工作深入交换意见。宿琳表示，上海市对外友协高度重视纪念活动筹备工作，将在全国对外友协活动方案总体框架内，结合上海实际组织相关配套活动。宿琳强调，纪念活动应着眼青年、着眼和平、着眼未来，以艾黎百年来华纪念为新起点，让艾黎精神在新时代焕发新活力，深化中新民间友好情谊。

欧百利对上海方面的筹备设想表示赞赏。他介绍了新方在口述采访、青年领袖交流、纪念视频制作及代表团互访等方面的整体安排，将聚焦青年传承、庚续友好主题。双方就下一步工作达成共识，将保持密切沟通、细化各项方案，共同推动艾黎纪念活动落地见效。

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Commentary in Chinese | 评论

路易·艾黎作为中新友谊的标志性人物，其纪念活动不仅具有历史意义，更承载着推动双边民间交流的现实功能。新西兰中国友好协会与上海方面的合作，聚焦青年领袖交流和口述历史项目，这为新西兰中小企业提供了潜在的文化与教育合作切入点。当前中新经贸关系紧密，中国是新西兰最大贸易伙伴，但民间认知仍存在不对称。

此类纪念活动有助于降低文化壁垒，为中小企业进入中国市场创造更友好的软环境。从行业角度看，新西兰的教育、旅游和创意产业可借势开发以艾黎为主题的研学旅行或文化产品，尤其面向中国二三线城市的中产家庭。同时，青年交流项目可能催生未来商业网络，值得本地企业提前布局。

纪念活动若成功落地，将强化新西兰在华品牌形象，间接利好出口导向型中小企业。

关键词: 路易·艾黎, 新西兰中国友好协会, 上海市对外友协, 欧百利, 宿琳, 纪念活动, 中新民间友好, 青年交流

Source: Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries