China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao shakes hand with Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand, during their meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 31, 2025. Photo: official website of China's Ministry of Commerce

China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao called for deeper pragmatic cooperation across various fields and joint efforts to wrap up negative list negotiations for services trade under the free trade agreement (FTA) as soon as possible during his meeting with Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand Todd McClay on Friday.

Wang's comments came during the two ministers' meeting in Gyeongju, this year's APEC host city in South Korea, where they exchanged views on China-New Zealand economic and trade ties, regional economic cooperation, and the multilateral trading system, according to an announcement made by China's Ministry of Commerce announcement on Sunday.

Wang noted that the Chinese and New Zealand economies are highly complementary, with their interests deeply intertwined. "Guided by the strategic vision of the two countries' leaders, both sides should collaborate to grow the pie of economic and trade cooperation, uncover more areas of mutual benefit, and deepen practical cooperation in all sectors," he noted.

At the same time, both sides should work together to conclude the FTA's services trade negative list talks as soon as possible, paving the way for stronger bilateral services trade, Wang said.

Wang emphasized that the Chinese side has always firmly supported and safeguarded the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization (WTO).  

"Amid the current global economic and trade landscape, China and New Zealand should ramp up coordination within frameworks including the WTO, APEC, and other regional trade arrangements," Wang noted, adding that together, both nations should resist trade protectionism, ensure the smooth flow of global trade under WTO rules, and bring greater stability and predictability to the world economy.

McClay said New Zealand places high value on its relationship with China, and the two nations have consistently maintained close dialogue and collaboration on regional and multilateral issues, according to the announcement of China's Ministry of Commerce.

In June, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon made a successful visit to China, during which the two sides issued a joint statement on the leaders' meeting outcomes, agreeing to further deepen cooperation in trade, the economy, and beyond, McClay noted.

McClay stressed that New Zealand is willing to deepen regional economic and trade cooperation with China, upholding the WTO-led multilateral trade system, and advancing the necessary reforms within the organization.

Global Times