On 31 October, Consul General Chen Shijie attended the New Zealand Chinese Business Club 2026 Annual Gala Dinner and delivered remarks. New Zealand Minister of Small Business and Manufacturing Hon. Cameron Brewer, Leader of the Labour Party and former Prime Minister Rt Hon. Chris Hipkins, Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Simon Bridges, several Members of New Zealand Parliament, Minister-Cousellor of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand Xie Yongjun and over 400 representatives from the business communities of the two countries attended the event.

Chen stated that in the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, China’s economy has navigated challenges and forged ahead, demonstrating vigorous vitality and strong resilience, injecting powerful new momentum into global economic development. China is willing to work with New Zealand to promote regional economic integration and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific. It is hoped that Chinese businesses in New Zealand will continue to leverage their unique advantages and contribute to the steady and sustained growth of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

New Zealand guests spoke highly of the outcomes of practical cooperation between New Zealand and China, fully acknowledged the significant contributions made by the Chinese community to New Zealand’s economic and social development, and expressed a desire to further consolidate and deepen the relationship between the two countries.