NZTE and Alibaba sign MoU

As part of New Zealand’s ongoing push to strengthen and deepen economic ties with its Asian giant neighbour, the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) government international business development agency and Alibaba have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to “formalize discussions for strengthening trade between China and New Zealand”.

The signing ceremony between the government and online sales platform was witnessed by by New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, and Alibaba Group’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Jack Ma.

Alibaba released a statement that said the MoUis intended to broaden Alibaba’s existing partnership with NZTE, and that both parties will “explore different collaboration opportunities”. Alibaba will provide support for NZ companies to enter the Chinese consumer market through its e-commerce channels and NZTE will “assist local companies to understand and optimize the opportunities Alibaba’s ecosystem offers in terms of business growth in China”.

Peter Chrisp, Chief Executive of NZTE, said: “New Zealand businesses are already using Alibaba’s channels to sell a wide range of products including dairy, meat, seafood, fruit, wine, beverage, cereal, skincare and health supplements. By providing dedicated services for New Zealand products, this new arrangement offers significant opportunities for New Zealand businesses to reach more consumers as well as advocating New Zealand’s reputation as a place of open spaces, open hearts and open minds.”

Much of NZ’s trade has been focused on China for some time, with many of its agricultural products being sold direct to China. Greater collaboration between the NZ government and Alibaba should significantly improve trade of other goods with its Asian neighbour and further help the NZ economy.

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