National Patron of New Zealand–China Friendship Society: China is our major market | Insights

 

China is New Zealand’s major market and the relationship must be fostered and strengthened, former agriculture minister David Carter said in a recent interview.

“China is our major market. We need to acknowledge that, we need to respect that, and we must never take that market for granted,” said Carter, who now serves as National Patron of the New Zealand–China Friendship Society.

Referring to the free trade agreement with China, Carter said that it has been of immense benefit to New Zealand and to people who export food around the world and that China has become New Zealand's major market.

As National Patron of the society, Carter is working hard to get more young New Zealanders involved in engaging with China. "It's not about old people engaging with China," he said. "It's actually about building a future for this relationship, and that means we've got to entice the younger generation."