Minister Han Meets with New Zealand Minister of Agriculture

March 24-Minister Hang Changfu met the visiting New Zealand Minister of Agriculture, David Carter, to exchange opinions on enhancing bilateral agricultural cooperation and issues of joint concern.

Minister Han extended his welcome to the delegation, pointing out that the 38 years of diplomatic relationship had witnessed smooth development in the relationship between the two countries, with intensifying cooperation in agriculture. Thanks to the Sino-New Zealand Joint Committee on Agriculture, the two sides had carried out effective cooperation in agriculture, particularly in the dairy industry. Minister Han gave positive comments on the Free Trade Agreement between China and New Zealand, and proposed four pieces of suggestions to elevate bilateral cooperation on agriculture: first, to held the fourth meeting of the Joint Committee when it is appropriate; second, to promote exchanges in animal husbandry technologies; third, to enhance cooperation in horticulture to promote trade in this regard, and; fourth, to create a fair and rational trade environment, curb the growing deficit on the Chinese side, and ensure sound and steady development of agricultural trade.

Minister Carter fully agreed with Minister Han, and briefed on the operation of New Zealand agricultural companies in China, hoping to promote practical cooperation between the two countries private sectors.

The two ministers signed the Sino-New Zealand Cooperation Arrangement on Dairy Industry. The meeting was also attended by Chen Mengshan, Chief Economist and Director-General of General Office, and leading officials from departments of science, technology and education, international cooperation, and animal husbandry.