Key Notes: What does China mean for us?

I'm in China this week, building on the strong relationship between our two countries.

China is important to New Zealand. We are on track to achieve the goal of doubling two-way trade to $20 billion by 2015. This week President Xi Jinping and I set an ambitious new goal for trade to reach $30 billion by 2020.

Our growing trade with China is a shot in the arm for New Zealand exporters and industry. It is one of several reasons the New Zealand economy continues to grow strongly.

Figures released today showed GDP increasing by more than 3 per cent in the past year - making New Zealand one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

This is great news for families.

A stronger economy means more jobs, higher incomes, and more opportunities for young people. It means we can invest more in important public services like schools and hospitals.

If we continue with National's successful programme, New Zealanders can lock in the economic gains we're starting to see.

Read more about National building a stronger economy.

Keep up to date with my trip on my Facebook andTwitter.

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