Trade tops Hu Jintao´s agenda

cctv.com 10-26-2003 08:38

Chinese President Hu Jintao says Beijing would like to work with New Zealand to further the two countries' relations and cooperation in various fields. Hu Jintao is now in New Zealand for a three-day state visit, and made the remarks after talks with New Zealand Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright Saturday afternoon. It's his last official stop on a regional tour that has taken him to Australia and the APEC summit in Bangkok.

The Chinese president landed in the capital Wellington Saturday afternoon, accompanied by a senior delegation and a large Chinese media contingent. His visit is seen as highly significant in building New Zealand's relationship with the world's sixth largest economy.

Following his arrival, the Chinese president attended a welcome ceremony where he received traditional greetings by warriors of New Zealand's indigenous Maoris, and attended a state dinner at Government House hosted by Dame Silvia Cartwright.

Hu Jintao said his visit was aimed at enhancing friendship, expanding common ground, furthering cooperation and facilitating common development. Dame Cartwright said Wellington is willing to work with Beijing to enhance their friendship.

Hu Jintao's itinerary includes a tour of a farming research center in Hamilton and a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum Sunday afternoon. There he will meet with New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark. Hu Jintao is also expected to meet leaders of major New Zealand companies keen to do business in China.

During the visit, Chinese and New Zealand officials will sign ten agreements on trade access, bio-security, education and consular cooperation. China is New Zealand's fourth biggest trading partner and traditionally its largest export market for wool. There is also major potential for dairy and other animal products. Officials say deals signed during this visit will guarantee meat exports worth at least 40 million US dollars a year. However, a broader free trade deal may only be marginally closer as a result of the visit.

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Editor:Zhang  Source:CCTV.com