Push to develop Chinese business links in Bay of Plenty

Hellen Faulkner, Yuefeng Huang, Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Consulate General, and Tauranga mayor Greg Brownless at yesterday's function to launch the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Bay of Plenty. Photo / Supplied

The Bay of Plenty has established its own branch of the New Zealand Chinese Chamber of Commerce Bay of Plenty Branch to strengthen links between the region with China.

Chairwoman of the new Chinese arm of the chamber Katikati businesswoman Hellen Faulkner said there were many opportunities for Bay business in China.

"The Chinese chamber will actively promote economic and political co-operation between China and New Zealand, alongside belt and road initiatives."

Faulkner spoke at a dinner at Harbourside which formally launched the new division attended by Tauranga mayor Greg Brownless, as well as chief executive of the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce Stan Gregec.

Brownless said that the New Zealand Chinese Chamber of Commerce significantly contributed to the economic, cultural, and trade exchanges between the two countries and he welcomed the new Bay branch.

"New Zealand is a trading nation and, with our port, Tauranga has natural advantages over other cities as a hub for such trade. An organisation promoting trade, such as the New Zealand Chinese branch, will assist with this."

Yuefeng Huang, Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Consulate General and Tauranga mayor Greg Brownless support greater links with China. Photo / Supplied

Yuefeng Huang, Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Consulate General also attended the dinner.