The international academic forum on “Opportunities and the Future of China–New Zealand Economic and Trade Relations,” jointly hosted by Renmin University of China and the University of Auckland, was held in Auckland, New Zealand on Jan 29. 

Chinese and international experts engaged in in-depth discussions on the macroeconomic landscape, industrial cooperation, institutional environments, and future prospects, offering constructive recommendations for the high-quality development of China–New Zealand economic and trade relations.

Wang Junchao, vice consul general of the Chinese Consulate-General in Auckland, noted that academic exchanges and think-tank dialogues are vital bridges for China–New Zealand communication, and that the strong partnership between the two universities would provide valuable intellectual support for government and business decision-making.

Qiu Hengchang, deputy CEO of Bank of China (New Zealand), emphasized that Bank of China has long contributed financial support to New Zealand’s economic development and bilateral economic and trade exchanges.

Antje Fiedler, director of the New Zealand Asia Institute at the University of Auckland, highlighted the broad potential for cooperation between the two countries and said the forum served as an important platform for strengthening people-to-people and academic exchanges.

Zhang Donggang, secretary of the CPC Committee of Renmin University of China, delivered a keynote speech titled “China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the Future of Asia-Pacific Economic and Trade Cooperation.” He noted that China and New Zealand are both key players in the Asia-Pacific region and that their economic and trade cooperation is vital to regional and global prosperity and stability. As China enters the implementation phase of its 15th Five-Year Plan in 2026, the new plan marks a fresh starting point for deeper interaction with the world and shared growth.

Zhang added that RUC is willing to work with New Zealand universities, represented by the University of Auckland, to build a solid bridge for bilateral cooperation and talent cultivation, providing support for high-quality China–New Zealand and Asia-Pacific economic and trade cooperation. 

Herbert Sima, director of the China Studies Center at the University of Auckland, delivered a keynote speech titled "Crossing the Threshold of Going Global: Trust, Institutions, and Brands in Chinese Firms' Overseas Expansion."

Tang Lihua, president of the NZ Chinese Scientist Association delivered a keynote speech on "Enhancing New Zealand-China Research and Scientific Cooperation: From  Academic Exchange Perspective."

Wang Wen, dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, noted that China's 15th Five-Year Plan not only outlines a clear direction for the country's future development but also contains opportunities for growth and shared benefits through cooperation.

The session was chaired by Yang Jian, chairman of the New Zealand Chinese Business Club and former Member of Parliament for the New Zealand National Party.

During the panel discussion and Q&A session, the dialogue on the theme "Opportunities and the Future of China–New Zealand Economic and Trade Relations" was moderated by Wang Wen. The session featured an in-depth exchange among Zhang Donggang, Herbert Sima, Tang Lihua, and Yang Jian, who also addressed questions from journalists.

More than 100 experts and scholars, policy researchers, industry representatives, and media professionals from China and New Zealand attended the forum.