-
China and NZ flags - Source: ONE News
Agriculture Minister David Carter is leading a delegation of New Zealand agricultural technology companies to China this week.
The trade mission will visit Beijing, Inner Mongolia and Heilongjian in northern China, dairy producing provinces which have links to New Zealand.
"China is our second-largest trading partner, with total trade exceeding $10 billion in 2009, and export growth has continued to soar despite the global downturn," Carter says.
"The governments of both our countries are working closely together in the areas of agriculture and food safety. The trade mission will build on this growing cooperation and bring to China expertise and innovation from some of New Zealand's leading agritech companies.
Carter adds that New Zealand is one of the world's most efficient producers of food, and its expertise in pasture management, animal husbandry, genetic improvement, dairy production, testing and processing are sought-after.
While he is in Beijing, Carter will hold a range of meetings with senior Chinese ministers and business leaders, and sign a dairy cooperation agreement with the Chinese government.
Twelve companies are taking part in the trade mission, including Fonterra, PGG Wrightson, AgResearch, AsureQuality and Massey and Lincoln Universities.
