From June 24 to 26, 2025, the China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand (CCCNZ) accompanied Consul General He Ying of the Chinese Consulate-General in Christchurch on a series of visits and exchange activities in Nelson, South Island.

During the visit, the delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with Nelson Mayor Nick Smith, city councillors, and representatives from various key institutions and businesses. The exchanges covered a wide range of topics including economic cooperation, industrial development, and educational exchange. Mr Hu Beihai, President of the China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and CEO of Bank of China (New Zealand) Limited, highlighted CCCNZ’s key role in building bridges between Chinese and New Zealand enterprises and supporting bilateral trade. He also introduced Bank of China's strengths in facilitating cross-border trade and investment between the two countries.

The delegation visited Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), Sealord (a major seafood company), Aquaculture New Zealand, the Cawthron Institute, the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, and the Nelson Regional Development Agency. They also toured prominent local companies such as New Zealand King Salmon, Talley’s Group, and Pic’s Peanut Butter. During these visits, company and organisation leaders shared details about their business operations and current collaborations with China. Many expressed strong confidence in the Chinese market and a desire to expand their partnerships with China.

During roundtable discussions, participants exchanged views on how to take advantage of the China–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and new cooperation agreements reached during Prime Minister Luxon’s recent visit to China. Topics included the export of wild-caught seafood to China and certification of organic products. President Hu Beihai expressed the Chamber’s willingness to continue serving as a vital platform for communication between member enterprises and various sectors in both countries, seizing new opportunities in the evolving China–New Zealand relationship.

This visit significantly strengthened ties between CCCNZ and the government and business community of Nelson. It also injected fresh momentum into local-level economic and cultural cooperation between China and New Zealand. The Chamber remains committed to providing high-quality services to its member enterprises and contributing to the high-quality development of China–New Zealand bilateral relations.