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Senior Chinese Leader to visit NZ Next Week
Friday, 7 December 2012, 11:36 am
Press Release: New Zealand Government
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Hon Steven Joyce
Minister of Science &
Innovation
7 December 2012
Media Statement
Senior Chinese
Leader to visit NZ Next Week
State Councillor Liu
Yandong will visit New Zealand next week as a guest of the
New Zealand Government – the first visit by a senior
Communist Party figure since China’s November leadership
transition.
State Councillor Liu is a senior leader
in China’s 2012-2017 hierarchy. Her portfolios include
education, science, screen and television, and culture.
Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce says he
will sign a joint declaration with State Councillor Liu on
science and technology in Wellington on 10 December.
“The joint declaration will underline the strong links
New Zealand and China have in science and technology and the
intention to boost co-operation between our two countries in
this area,” Mr Joyce says.
“New Zealand places
enormous value on the bilateral trade and economic
relationship with China, our second largest trading partner.
Since 2008 the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement has
seen trade between our countries increase by more than 50
per cent and we want this growth to continue.”
State Councillor Liu will also sign an agreement with
Education Minister Hekia Parata to grow co-operation in
education between China and New Zealand. China is the
largest source of international students to New Zealand.
The visit from 9-11 December takes place ahead of the
40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand
and China on 22 December.
During her visit, State
Councillor Liu will meet Prime Minister John Key, call on
Auckland Mayor Len Brown and visit Auckland University. She
will also attend a dinner hosted by the New Zealand China
Council.
In Wellington, State Councillor Liu will
meet with New Zealand recipients of the Chinese Government
Friendship Award, and with representatives of the New
Zealand-based Chinese community, as well as attending an
official dinner at Premier House.
ENDS
© Scoop Media

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