New body for Chinese Biz in NZ

There are many Chinese business associations in New Zealand. The Chinese diaspora has had similar groups operating in New Zealand since the early 20th century. The very first was established in 1909 by Consul Huang Roliang, to help the growing Chinese community organise its affairs and to run training courses in Chinese and English.

Now a Federation of NZ Chinese business associations has been established to specifically promote the interests of Chinese business across the country.

Dr. Jian Yang, the former National MP made the announcement at the New Zealand Chinese Business Club 2023 Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony last week, an event sponsored by Blue Ocean Capital Group, an Auckland-based property developer. 

Around 600 people attended the function at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel, including Auckland mayor Wayne Brown, National MP and trade spokesperson Todd McClay, Peter Goodfellow, former president of the National Party, and Wang Xiaolong, Chinese ambassador to New Zealand.

Jian Yang, head of the New Zealand Chinese Business Club, told the gathering the establishment of the federation was a momentous event for the Chinese community in New Zealand. Dr. Yang also confirmed he would be the inaugural chairman of the Federation of NZ Chinese business associations.  

Dr Jian Yang / Image supplied

Twenty-one Chinese business associations across New Zealand have joined the new Federation to date.

Speaking to guests at the function, Simon Bridges, CEO of Auckland Chamber of Commerce described the establishment of the federation as a  “significant” move.

The Auckland Chamber helped co-ordinate the event, along with Channel 33, a local on-line Chinese language media service.

Jian Yang and Simon Bridges visited Beijing in September this year to meet with Zhang Shao-gang, Vice Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. Club.

The two sides discussed the development of China-New Zealand economic and trade relations and the strengthening of bilateral ties.

Ambassador Wang Xiaolong also spoke to the function, advising the New Zealand business community to take a long-term view on the wider business relationship between China and New Zealand.

Chinese Ambassador Wang Xiaolong / image supplied

 “While people are of course entitled to their own opinions, my advice to friends, particularly those stakeholders in the relationship, has always been: look at the big picture and look at the long run, rather than losing sight of the mountain for one single leaf, or allowing economic sensibility to be warped by the false, often self-fulfilling and probably self-defeating geopolitical narrative” he said.

Ambassador Wang also pointed out that China’s economy has maintained a reasonably strong momentum, remaining a major engine for global economic growth.

Despite a strong start to 2023, the Chinese economy has seen some significant headwinds, with falling exports, and slowing domestic consumption and investment. Latest data suggests the worst may be over in the shorty ti

Todd McClay, National MP and trade spokesperson, picked up the topic of  New Zealand - China trade relations.

He reminded those gathered – should a reminder have been be required – that China remains New Zealand’s largest trading partner, a major source of tourists and international students, and an important investor in New Zealand. He emphasised the important part China will play in helping the National-led government achieve its ambitious trade goal “to double the value of New Zealand's exports in the next 10 years.”

The New Zealand Chinese business club was set up by Jian Yang in March 2021 and launched by former Prime Minister Sir John Key.

Dr Yang retired from New Zealand politics following the 2020 general election, and following a political scandal which erupted in 2017, around his time working for educational institutions in China run by the People’s Liberation Army and the Chinese equivalent of the US National Security Agency

At the time Dr Yang rejected any allegations he was, or ever had been a spy. Instead, he confirmed he was a civilian officer, paid by the military to teach English.

On leaving Parliament hinted at his future plans .

"I am proud that I have been able to assist numerous Chinese constituents and enabled the Chinese community to better understand and participate in New Zealand's open and democratic politics. And I will continue to support New Zealand's hard-working Chinese community outside of caucus.”

With the sometimes brutal world of politics now well behind him, and with the new Federation of Chinese Business Associations now underway, it would seem Jian Yang is moving on with those plans.  

- Asia Media Centre