NZBRiC at the 137th Canton Fair Promotion Conference

The New Zealand Business Roundtable in China (NZBRiC) was honoured to speak at the 137th Canton Fair Promotion Conference, hosted by the Canton Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand in Auckland on March 13th. We’re grateful for the invitation and the opportunity to be part of such a key trade event that facilitates the high-quality development of global trade and the dual circulation of China’s domestic and overseas markets.

Emphasising the importance of the New Zealand-China trade relationship, NZBRiC Senior Advisor Anna-May Isbey began her speech by highlighting how this economic partnership has grown, making China New Zealand’s most important trading partner. 

Following this, Anna-May discussed emerging opportunities being seized by New Zealand businesses in sectors like health and wellness, e-commerce, and sustainability, with a particular focus on the rapid growth of online retail and social commerce in China. She underlined the growing demand for New Zealand products in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where a focus on quality and a preference for products that align with consumer lifestyles and values allows New Zealand brands to stand out. Additionally, she highlighted China’s “Healthy China 2030” policy, which is driving demand for products that promote wellbeing, quality of life, and longevity—areas where New Zealand companies are actively capitalizing.

Despite the illuminated challenges of China’s complex and competitive market, Anna-May finished her speech with expressed optimism. She pointed out that New Zealand businesses like our members are focusing on the quality, authenticity, and innovation that makes them unique. As a result, they are expanding their presence in China, recognising its vast potential for growth and innovation with opportunities that can be leveraged on a global scale.

About the Fair: The Canton Fair is one of China’s largest and most influential international trade events, renowned for its long history, extensive scale, diverse range of exhibits, and high buyer turnout from around the world. Often referred to as "China’s No.1 Fair" and a key barometer of the country’s foreign trade, it plays a vital role in connecting global businesses and driving international commerce. Last year, nearly 900 New Zealand buyers attended the Canton Fair, engaging with over 8,000 specialised companies across a wide range of countries and markets. This year, the 137th Canton Fair’s online exhibition will be open until September 15th whilst the onsite exhibition for in-person attendance will be held on the 14th of April. 

If you’d like to know more details on the Canton Fair, please get in contact with Howard L.