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| No.2 April, 2012 |
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Launch of New Zealand Hong Kong Parliamentary Friendship Group |
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 Hong Kong and New Zealand relations reach a new high with the launch of the New Zealand Hong Kong Parliamentary Friendship Group by the visiting Director-General of Trade and Industry, of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Ms Maria Kwan, in Wellington on the 28th March earlier this year.
During her visit to New Zealand, Ms Kwan attended the first Joint Commission Meeting to review the general functioning of the Hong Kong-New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEP Agreement), which came into effect on 1 January 2011.
Addressing a reception and dinner to launch the Parliamentary Friendship Group, Ms Kwan said that Hong Kong and New Zealand have long enjoyed strong trade, economic and cultural ties and added that the Parliamentary Friendship Group was formed with the aim of further strengthening the relationship between two economies.
"New Zealand's exports to Hong Kong jumped by 14% while total trade between New Zealand and Hong Kong grew by 11% last year," said Ms Kwan.
"Our respective governments have been working closely to further ties in other areas, such as the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Wine-related Businesses and an Arrangement on Co-operation between Audio-visual Industries, both in late 2009.
"These initiatives, along with a Comprehensive Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation in late 2010, and an Arrangement on Education Co-operation in October 2011, show the importance that Hong Kong places on business relations with New Zealand.
"Hong Kong and New Zealand share respect for individual rights and freedoms, independence of the judiciary and the pursuit of free trade.
"We also share interests in many other things like rugby, films, food and wine. These shared values and interests ensure the continuing growth of our relationship on all levels – government, business, education, tourism, and the formation of the Parliamentary Friendship Group today strengthens ties even further."
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