PM Luxon Secures $871M in Deals, Boosts Tourism and Trade on China Visit

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed the Shanghai leg of his official visit to China with a suite of high-impact outcomes, including the signing of $871 million in commercial agreements and new policy shifts aimed at boosting tourism, education, and trade ties between the two countries.

Luxon was joined by Social Development Minister Louise Upston, Police and Defence Minister Mark Mitchell, and a senior delegation of New Zealand business leaders representing key industries such as food and beverage, health and wellness, education, and tourism.

“This visit underscores the significance of our relationship with China,” said Luxon. “Bilateral trade now exceeds NZ$39 billion annually and accounts for more than 20 percent of New Zealand’s total goods and services exports. The depth and momentum in this relationship are reflected in the deals signed and the connections strengthened.”

$871M in Business Agreements Strengthens Economic Ties

One of the standout outcomes from the Shanghai visit was the signing of $871 million worth of commercial agreements between New Zealand companies and Chinese partners. These agreements span multiple sectors, reinforcing confidence in the long-term stability and mutual benefit of New Zealand-China trade.

“These deals show that New Zealand businesses are globally competitive and continue to be trusted partners for Chinese investors and consumers,” Luxon noted.

Transit Visa Reform to Boost Air Travel and Connectivity

In a move welcomed by airlines and tourism operators, Luxon announced that Chinese nationals transiting through New Zealand will no longer need to apply for a traditional transit visa. Instead, they can apply for the more streamlined New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), saving time and money.

This policy shift was central to one of Shanghai’s biggest announcements: China Eastern Airlines will launch twice-weekly flights to South America via Auckland, further cementing Auckland’s status as a global aviation hub and opening new opportunities for tourism and trade across the Pacific and South America.

Tourism Promotion Reaches Millions

The Prime Minister took part in a tourism livestream event during his visit — an event that drew an online audience of over 10 million viewers. The campaign highlighted New Zealand’s natural landscapes, Māori culture, and hospitality offerings.

“New Zealand welcomed 248,000 visitors from China in the past year, and holiday arrivals are up 31 percent,” Luxon said. “With our updated visa settings and improved transit access, we expect even greater interest in visiting Aotearoa.”

Education and Research Collaboration Deepened

Luxon also visited Fudan University, one of China’s most prestigious academic institutions, to promote New Zealand as a destination for research, education, and innovation partnerships.

“We’re focused on strengthening our educational links — through student exchanges, institutional collaboration, and joint research that provides real benefits for both countries,” he said.

New Zealand’s universities and tertiary institutions see China as a vital partner, particularly in areas like sustainable development, digital technology, and health sciences.

Meeting with Shanghai’s Top Official

During his time in Shanghai, the Prime Minister met with Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining, a key figure in China’s political and economic landscape. Discussions focused on Shanghai’s role as a major entry point for New Zealand goods, services, and people-to-people connections.

They also explored regional supply chains, digital cooperation, and future trade facilitation measures.

“Shanghai is a gateway for so much of our bilateral exchange,” said Luxon. “Strengthening this connection is essential to ensuring that our goods and services reach Chinese consumers efficiently and that we continue to foster mutual understanding.”

Next Stop: Beijing

Having wrapped up a productive visit to Shanghai, the Prime Minister now heads to Beijing, where he is expected to hold high-level talks with Chinese leadership on bilateral and multilateral issues, strategic cooperation, and global challenges.

The visit is part of a wider Government effort to renew and elevate New Zealand’s position in the Asia-Pacific region while ensuring New Zealand exporters, students, and travellers benefit from one of the world’s most dynamic partnerships.