21 August 2013

The Honourable Associate Minister of Tourism Mr Chris Tremain

His Worship Len Brown, Super Mayor of the Super city

Mr Chang Hongan, Deputy Director General of CNTA and delegation

My Very Good Friend Raymon Huo, Labor MP

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Keora! Good evening and Wan Shang Hao!

I am extremely happy to attend today's China Tourism Night. First of all, please allow me to extend, on behalf of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland, the warmest welcome to Mr Chang Hongan and the CNTA delegation. I heartily thank each and every guest today for your interest in and support of tourism cooperation between China and New Zealand and give my best blessing to a successful China Tourism Night!

Tourism is a vital link between China and New Zealand. Chinese love New Zealand's natural scenery, moderate weather, excellent food and wine, and above all its hospitable people. Last year, close to 200, 000 Chinese visited New Zealand and spent $ 651 million, making China the second largest and the fastest source of foreign tourists. The first six months this year saw a 30% growth in the number of Chinese tourists.

The benefits Chinese tourists bring to New Zealand are far more than just direct spending: Because of Chinese tourists, more Chinese parents want to send their children to Kiwi schools, making China by far the largest source of international students; Because of Chinese tourists, more Chinese businessmen are importing Kiwi products, making China by far the largest export market. Now everyday, New Zealand exports to China as much as it did for the whole year of 1972 when we established diplomatic relationship; Because of Chinese tourists, more Chinese companies are making investment in New Zealand. Recently I visited a Chinese company by the name of Minmetal, which alone has created almost 100 jobs; More importantly, tourism has greatly promoted China-New Zealand cultural exchanges and enhanced our mutual understanding and friendship, thus laying a solid foundation for further and mutually beneficial cooperation. New Zealand Minister of Tourism and Prime Minister John Key hopes to increase the number of Chinese tourists to 1 million in a few years. I believe this can be realized and our bilateral relationship will be on a new high.

On the other hand, China has the richest tourist resources in the world and eagerly looks forward to sharing with New Zealanders:

China is one of the four most ancient civilizations and has a civilized history of 5000 years. Cultural heritages such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing, Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the Potala Palace in Lhasa, and the Shaolin Temple in my home province Henan are matchless.

China has 56 ethnicities and each and every one of them is our pride. Whether it's Peking opera and marshal arts of the Han, the Thangka and opera of the Tibetan, the costume and songs and dances of the Uygur, or horse-headed fiddles and yurts of the Mongolian, all are fascinating.

China has the strikingly beautiful scenery. The benevolent can climb Mountain Tai and feel the smallness of other mountains. The wise can cruise on the picturesque Westlake in Hangzhou or the Li River in Guilin. The spiritual will sure enjoy a lost paradise in Shangrila or Zhang Jiajie.

You are shopaholic? China is the world's factory and boasts of high-quality but affordable products. You will probably shop till you drop.

You are gourmet? Each and every Chinese city is a capital of fine food. Street corner bistros serve the most special mouth-watering cuisine. Try not to eat till you sleep.

You like architecture? Go visit the Birdnest and Watercubic of the Beijing Olympic Park.

You want to make money? China is the second largest and fastest growing major economy. As long as you go there, you'll have opportunities to do business and make money.

In short, China and New Zealand are mutually complementary in all areas of tourism. The only commonality is hospitability of our peoples and Chinese people look forward to sharing their treasures with their Kiwi friends. What are you waiting for?

Join a China Travel Service group, ask me to give you a Chinese visa, book a China Southern seat and fly to China.

Enjoy your trip!