Cooper mission to China

Press, 17 February 1983, Page 26

Cooper mission to China

PA Wellington Leading traders will be among a 12-man economic mission accompanying the Minister of Overseas Trade, Mr Cooper, to China next month in search of more business opportunities. The managing director of N. Forest Products, Mr D. O. Walker, will be the mission’s deputy leader.

The other members of the mission are: Mr R. Buchanan, group manager, market development, Wool Board; Mr J. B. Ede, chief executive, Winstone Group; Mr A. D. George, group marketing manager, Chemby Industries, Ltd; Mr P. W. Harpham, managing director, Progeni Systems, Ltd; Mr M. K. Hunt, chairman of directors, M. K. Hunt Foundation, Ltd; Mr G. D. Mace, director, Tasman Forest Industries, Ltd; Mr M. Main (representing livestock exporters), New Zealand livestock export manager, Wrightson NMA, Ltd; Mr R. Silvester, director, the Owens Group, Ltd; Mr C. H. Speight, chief executive, Shipping Corporation; Mr C. B. Stanworth, chairman, N.Z.-China Trade Association; Professor Sir James Stewart, director, China-N.Z. Agricultural Consultants, Ltd.

Mr Cooper said bilateral trade between China and New Zealand had increased significantly in the 10 years since diplomatic relations were established.

The trade expansion had been encouraged by economic missions in 1973 and 1979 and “there is still room for further expansion and diversification.

“China recently reiterated its commitment to outwardlooking modernisation and the mission will be progressing existing projects and strengthening contacts, as well as looking for new opportunities within its current programmes."

Before entering China on March 3, the mission will have a day in Hong Kong to make contact with companies engaged in the China trade. On entering China, the mission will visit the Shenzhen special economic zone and then move to Peking.