The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO), hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Auckland, New Zealand, yesterday (February 24, Auckland time) to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
           
     About 150 guests from various sectors, including political and business circles, media, academia, community groups and government representatives, attended the reception. Among them were the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland, Mr Chen Shijie; the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Minister of Justice, Minister for Media and Communications and Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations of New Zealand, Mr Paul Goldsmith; and the Mayor of Auckland, Mr Wayne Brown.

     The Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, said in his welcoming remarks that Hong Kong and New Zealand enjoy a long-standing and vibrant partnership, grounded in shared values of openness, connectivity, and free trade. New Zealand was the first foreign economy to sign a free trade agreement with Hong Kong, a milestone that speaks volumes about the trust between both places. Since the Hong Kong, China - New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership Agreement came into force in 2011, it has continued to create opportunities for businesses on both sides.
      
     "Hong Kong remains an important market for New Zealand's premium products, including dairy, meat, seafood, and wine," Mr Chong said.

     Mr Chong highlighted Hong Kong's unique function as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" linking the Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world. In 2025, the number of foreign companies in Hong Kong reached 11 000 - an 11 per cent increase and a record high. Many of these enterprises are drawn not only to Hong Kong's domestic market, but also to the vast opportunities available through the Chinese Mainland, particularly within the dynamic Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.  Mr Chong encouraged New Zealand enterprises to leverage Hong Kong's trusted legal system, free flow of capital and strong international connectivity to access opportunities in the Mainland market.
      
     Mr Chong also introduced the "Study in Hong Kong" brand, under which Hong Kong is positioned as an international post-secondary education hub. He welcomed students, researchers and young talent from New Zealand to pursue study and collaboration opportunities in Hong Kong.

     The reception also featured a martial arts performance to showcase traditional Chinese culture.
      
     The Sydney ETO will continue to host Chinese New Year receptions in different cities in Australia to celebrate the Year of the Horse with local communities.

Ends/Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Issued at HKT 7:30

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