The NZ Government released “Opening Doors to China, New Zealand’s 2015 Vision” – new national strategy for our interactions with the Middle Kingdom – on February 3.
Green reckons it will take some effort for some Kiwis to re-form their interactions with China, “as we sometimes see in public, debates that demonstrate lack of knowledge and respect”.
He says any change would require leadership from New Zealand politicians and businesspeople.
Green urges New Zealanders to see China in the way that past generations saw the UK as the key driver of demand for international trade in our region.
“The growing economies of Asia, led by China, are now the engine for global economic growth. For the foreseeable future, China will be the key driver of prosperity throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” he says.
“We’ve had traditional trade partners and cultural influencers half world away – but it’s clear our economic future is linked to opportunities closer to home in Asia and China in particular.”
