China and New Zealand Agree to Initiate Service Trade Negotiations

Wellington, The Gulf Observer: China and New Zealand have agreed to initiate negotiations on service trade negative lists, following a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The agreement was reached during Premier Li’s official visit to Wellington on Thursday.

In addition to the negotiations, both nations signed a number of cooperation documents across various sectors, including service trade, business environment, agricultural and food product exports to China, science and technology, and patent review.

During the talks, Premier Li highlighted the longstanding mutual respect and cooperation between China and New Zealand. “Despite changes in the international situation over the past 10 years, our adherence to mutual respect and focus on cooperation have facilitated great progress in bilateral relations, setting numerous records and bringing benefits to our peoples,” Li remarked. He emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen cooperation and eliminating non-economic factors from economic and trade relations to ensure a stable business environment for enterprises.

Premier Li expressed China’s willingness to expand trade with New Zealand and explore potential cooperation in digital economy, green economy, new energy vehicles, and creative industries. He also welcomed New Zealand companies to invest in China and announced that China would include New Zealand in the list of unilateral visa-free countries. “We hope that New Zealand will provide more convenience for Chinese citizens to travel to New Zealand,” Li added.

Prime Minister Luxon acknowledged the significant achievements in China-New Zealand relations since the establishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership 10 years ago. He reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to the one-China policy and expressed willingness to deepen cooperation in agriculture, food, creative industries, and environmental protection. Luxon also highlighted the importance of strengthening law enforcement cooperation with China and enhancing coordination under multilateral frameworks such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Organization to address global issues like climate change.

Both leaders agreed to handle bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, aiming to expand trade and investment, deepen cultural exchanges, safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of China-New Zealand relations.

Premier Li’s visit to Wellington marks the first leg of his three-nation tour from June 13 to 20, which will also include visits to Australia and Malaysia.