Chengdu-New Zealand trade matchmaking event yields five co-operation intentions

Summary

A Chengdu-New Zealand trade matchmaking conference was held in Chengdu, co-hosted by the Chengdu Centre for Opening-up and Co-operation Promotion and the Chengdu Federation of Industry and Commerce (General Chamber of Commerce). Simon Bridges, chief executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, led a 20-member trade delegation to meet face-to-face with Chengdu government departments, industry associations and more than 80 business representatives. Chengdu and New Zealand share deep ties: in 1996 Chengdu established a friendly co-operation relationship with New Zealand's Waikato region, and in 2015 it formally became a sister city with Hamilton; this year marks the 11th anniversary of that sister-city link.

In 2024 the direct Chengdu-Auckland air route resumed. Yu Jian, chairman of the Chengdu Federation of Industry and Commerce and president of the General Chamber of Commerce, said the resumption of direct flights has put bilateral trade and economic exchanges on a 'fast track'. China has for many years remained New Zealand's largest goods trading partner.

At the event, the Chengdu Centre for Opening-up and Co-operation Promotion gave a presentation on its 'five foreign linkages' system, the Chengdu Investment Promotion Bureau introduced the business environment, and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce was awarded an 'Open Chengdu' overseas partner plaque. The two sides will establish a long-term co-operation mechanism covering the sharing of trade and economic information, mutual business visits and matchmaking, and the promotion of industrial co-operation. During the roadshow, five New Zealand companies and six Chengdu companies presented, and one-on-one B2B meetings were held in fields including biomedicine, food trade, building materials and home furnishings, and green energy.

Five co-operation intentions were generated. The Chengdu Federation of Industry and Commerce said it will continue to act as a bridge and guide Chengdu private enterprises to embed themselves in global industrial, supply and value chains.

Commentary

The five co-operation intentions reached at the Chengdu-New Zealand matchmaking event, together with the resumption of direct flights and the creation of a long-term co-operation mechanism, offer concrete entry points for small and medium-sized enterprises on both sides. The presence of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce delegation means that for New Zealand firms Chengdu is not merely a trade destination but a gateway to consumer markets in western China. China is New Zealand's largest goods trading partner, with two-way trade worth about NZ$38 billion in 2023, dominated by dairy products, wood and meat.

Yet this matchmaking focused on non-traditional areas such as biomedicine and green energy, suggesting New Zealand's export mix is seeking diversification. For NZ SMEs, Chengdu's 'five foreign linkages' framework and business environment briefing reduce information asymmetry, but firms need to note the complexity of channels and localisation requirements in western China. On the other side, Chengdu companies are also looking for overseas technology and brand partnerships, and New Zealand firms' strengths in food traceability and environmental technology can translate into joint ventures or technology licensing opportunities.

The resumption of direct flights shortens cargo times between Chengdu and Auckland and improves the feasibility of cold-chain logistics for fresh produce and pharmaceuticals, but SMEs still need to assess compliance costs and intellectual property risks in the Chinese market.

Keywords: Chengdu, New Zealand, trade matchmaking conference, Auckland Chamber of Commerce, co-operation intentions, sister cities, direct flight resumption, five foreign linkages, B2B matchmaking

Source: None