
China Business Summit 2023
Reconnecting with a changing China
Monday 17 July, 2023, at Cordis Auckland
Reconnecting with a changing China
Monday 17 July, 2023, at Cordis Auckland
New Zealand businesses have set a goal to reconnect with China after the lengthy disruptions due to the Covid pandemic. Renewing and sustaining our trading and business links with our largest trading partner is important, but, so too, recognising and adapting to fast-moving changes in the Chinese commercial environment – including with consumer behaviour and within the retail environment.
On Monday, July 17, 2023 – NZ INC. and the Auckland Business Chamber present the China Business Summit – “Reconnecting with a changing China”.
The summit will present a unique business and political perspective on the landscape for New Zealand businesses in China and put forward strategies for navigating through a changed commercial environment against a background of sustained geo-political sensitivities. It is notable that New Zealand’s trade with China and Chinese investment here, bolstered the New Zealand economy through two periods of major disruption: the GFC and the Covid pandemic. China continues to present a significant opportunity for our key sectors; New Zealand exports to China have grown by 18 per cent in the last two years with the prospect for further growth in many of our key sectors.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins
Hon Damien O’Connor
Ambassador Wang Xiaolong
Carrie Hurihanganui
Fran O’Sullivan
The China Business Summit will be attended by New Zealand’s eminent business leaders and politicians, stakeholders from the New Zealand and Chinese business communities, commentators, officials and international experts.
It provides a great opportunity for delegates to network with senior business and political leaders and engage in strategic conversions that will set the direction for New Zealand’s future with China.
Monday, 17 July 2023
Rēnata Blair, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
MC: Tim McCready
Summit Co-Chair: Fran O’Sullivan, Managing Director, NZ INC.
Rt Hon Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister of New Zealand
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins – fresh from leading a prime ministerial trade delegation to China – will speak to the evolving bilateral relationship with New Zealand’s largest trading partner.
The Prime Minister will share insights from the first Government-led mission to China since 2019 – which is including meetings with China’s political and business leaders. The Prime Minister-led visit is another critical step forward in New Zealand’s post-Covid recovery.
Moderator: Fran O’Sullivan, Summit co-chair
Hon Damien O’Connor, Minister for Trade and Export Growth
Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Australian Assistant Minister for Trade
Trade Minister Damien O’Connor is well-placed to canvass how to ensure trade and vital supply chains endure in the face of protectionism, geopolitical and economic tensions. New Zealand’s leadership role in digital trade is of growing significance – including with China.
He will be joined by Hon Tim Ayres to explore how Trade Ministers are navigating competitive tensions between the two super-powers, and how they are addressing the changing dynamics of trade with China.
Moderator: Simon Bridges, Chief Executive, Auckland Business Chamber
HE Wang Xiaolong, Ambassador to New Zealand
Ambassador Wang will be introduced by Simon Bridges, Summit co-chair
Hon Todd McClay, National’s trade spokesperson will be introduced by Simon Bridges, Summit co-chair
Chief Executives have reconnected ‘in person’ with a changing China after the Covid years. This high level CEO panel will unpack the business environment for their companies and give their readout on where we are and what lies ahead.
Moderator: Fran O’Sullivan, Summit co-chair
Raymond Yeung, Chief Economist Greater China for ANZ
Moderator: Fran O’Sullivan, Summit co-chair
Andrew Tan, Former Managing Director, Temasek International and ex-CEO Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore
Discussants
Session chair: Chris Seed, Chief Executive, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Sir Richard Taylor, Co-founder and Creative Director, Weta Workshop
While Sir Richard’s professional story is well-known, his remarkable story of building a strong relationship with China remains relatively untold. Over the course of two decades, he has established a respected presence in China, forging connections with local and central government, educational facilities, and the creative sector. He has fostered robust business relationships that have had an impact on both New Zealand and China.
Moderator: Tim McCready
New Zealand’s thriving tourism and export education links with China were heavily impacted during the pandemic years, enduring significant challenges and setbacks. The reopening of borders has seen a remarkable revitalisation of these connections. The return of foreign tourists has been a prominent bright spot for New Zealand’s economy, and there has been a notable increase in study visa approvals, particularly for universities. This panel will share perspectives on the changed landscape, including new strategies adopted to rebuild business, and the inspiring wins and war stories that have emerged along the way, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the sectors.
Moderator: Tim McCready
10.10am Shanghai time
What’s changed for New Zealand business ‘in market’ as growth returns to the Chinese economy after the lengthy Covid interruptions. Key agribusiness sectors continue to grow and retain higher margins than elsewhere in Asia. The move to E-commerce has accelerated during the lockdowns and the big shift to online platforms and digital marketing is now locked in.
Panellists will share their own ‘wins’ and ‘war stories’ from competing in this fast-changing market and the strategies they have employed to stay ahead of the game.
This panel will be hosted by Andrew White, Regional Director for Greater China at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) based in Shanghai. He will be joined in Auckland by:
From Shanghai
This session will uncover the strategies, insights, and innovative approaches that have made Comvita and Fonterra leading names in the industry. Speakers will share the intricacies of navigating and innovating for Chinese market and effectively promoting health and wellness to the region.
The panel will canvass the challenges faced by New Zealand infrastructure and the relevance of Chinese companies’ infrastructure experience. It will delve into the current state of infrastructure development in both countries, focusing on the need for next-generation infrastructure solutions and exploring the potential for Chinese companies to bid to supply NZ projects.
Moderator: Brett O’Riley, Chief Executive, EMA
This captivating session delves into the dynamic landscape of AI in China and considers the transformative potential it offers. Over the past decade, China has made remarkable strides in establishing a robust AI economy and contributing significantly to global AI advancements. Renowned serial entrepreneur and AI expert, Yonggang Wang, will share his invaluable insights and experiences driving innovation at the forefront of cutting-edge AI.
Moderator: Fran O’Sullivan, Summit co-chair
Summit Co-Chairs Fran O’Sullivan and Simon Bridges
Prize draw courtesy of Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand with Auckland Business Chamber’s Live and Digital events coordinator Katy Riddell
Single Ticket | Table of Eight |
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$470+GST ($540.50) | $3600+GST ($4140) |