Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to travel to Japan at the end of the week, but not before hosting Chinese Premier Li Qiang in New Zealand.
Luxon has just returned from a trip to Niue and Fiji and will fly to Tokyo on Sunday, returning on June 20.
He said Japan was “incredibly important to New Zealand’s prosperity”.
Chinese Premier bound for NZ before Christopher Luxon heads to Japan.
“It is the world’s fourth largest economy, and our fourth largest export destination.
“Growing the economy is my number one priority. A strong economy means we can invest in more of the areas that New Zealanders need, such as health, education, and law and order.”
The trade relationship between the two countries was “a key plank to economic success”, he said.
“We are a small, geographically isolated country that relies on exporting our goods to the world.
“If we are to maximise our economic growth, we will need to continue to strengthen international relationships to meet our ambitious target of doubling the value of our exports in the next 10 years.”
Luxon will be accompanied by a senior business delegation, who he said shared his ambition for New Zealand and would work closely with him to “showcase the very best New Zealand has to offer”.
“As well as being known for our high-quality products and services, we will be promoting New Zealand as an attractive destination for Japanese investors, tourists and students.”
Japan is a natural strategic partner for New Zealand, he said.
“I’m looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and sharing perspectives on global and regional issues, as well as agreeing some concrete ways New Zealand and Japan can step up our cooperation in relation to defence and security.”
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said he would also “celebrate strong rugby connections” and space cooperation while in Japan.
His wife Amanda would also travel with him, as well as Trade Minister Todd McClay.
Chinese Premier to visit
Before leaving for Japan Luxon said he looked forward to welcoming Li to NZ.
“The Premier’s visit is a valuable opportunity for exchanges on areas of cooperation between New Zealand and China.
“China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth almost $38 billion last year. From innovative agri-tech and high-quality food, to creative industries, and world class tourism and education, New Zealand has a lot to offer China.”
Luxon said he was confident trade with China would continue to grow, which would support the Government’s goal to double export value in the next decade.
Li’s visit marks 10 years since the conclusion of the New Zealand China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
![Chinese Premier Li Qiang.](https://tvnz-1-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/south-korea-japan-and-china-hold-trilateral-summit-in-seoul-PIBFJMLE5ZDPRIWGZ2QDM6VWHE.jpg?auth=94d88c89c5a60b68db82d56d5d7245166b578c7f3013d0b41f6755d43ea9c3b6&quality=70&width=767&height=431&focal=297%2C196)
“New Zealand and China engage where we have shared interests, and we speak frankly and constructively with each other where we have differences. Our relationship is significant, complex, and resilient,” Luxon said.
“The challenging global outlook makes it vital that we are sharing perspectives and engaging China on key issues that matter to New Zealand.”
Li’s visit comes as NZ explores the possibility of joining Pillar Two of the US-led security pact AUKUS.
At a recent speech, Chinese ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong said China and New Zealand’s relationship was at a “critical juncture”.
He was heavily critical of AUKUS and said it would only serve to heighten tensions in the region.
“The sole purpose of the second pillar is to serve and support nuclear-related military cooperation under the first pillar rather than being an innocent platform for technology sharing,” he said.
Li would first arrive in Wellington and receive a ceremonial welcome, followed by bilateral talks with the Prime Minister and an official dinner.
He would also travel to Auckland. Events in both cities would focus on areas of cooperation such as innovative business, agri-tech, education, and people-to-people connections, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Li’s visit would be the first to New Zealand by a Chinese Premier since 2017.