John Hayes ONZM

Parliamentary Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Media statement: 7 November 2013

John Hayes to represent NZ at the Second China Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum in Guangzhou.

Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs John Hayes MP left last night for Guangzhou, the Peoples Republic of China, to represent New Zealand at the Second China Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum.

“The Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu all have diplomatic relations with China and are attending the Forum”, Mr Hayes says.

“The Forum is a welcome opportunity for our Pacific neighbours to engage with China and promote relations between the Pacific Island Countries and China.

“China is increasingly active in the Pacific region, and is an important long term partner to New Zealand.

“The Forum this year focuses on green innovation and development, which aligns with economic, trade and investment relations between China and Pacific Island Countries, all high priorities for New Zealand and other Pacific nations”, Mr Hayes says.

The China Pacific Island Countries Cooperation Forum runs from 7 – 10 November in Guangzhou.

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