Chinese vice premier to visit New Zealand

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang will visit New Zealand from Nov. 1-3, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Bill English announced on Friday.

The vice premier, accompanied by a 50-strong delegation, will visit Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, according to the announcement.

"The Chinese vice premier's visit is further evidence of the strength of the economic and political connections between China and New Zealand," English said in a media statement.

"We have just celebrated the first anniversary of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, and trade between us is growing very well. The visit offers an excellent opportunity for us to discuss a range of issues of importance to the relationship," English said.

The Chinese vice premier will have meetings with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and English and attend an official Ministerial dinner hosted by the New Zealand prime minister.

In Christchurch, the Chinese delegation will visit Canterbury University where the vice premier will open New Zealand's second Confucius Institute. He will also visit a farm at Lincoln University and attend a dinner hosted by Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.

Administrative arrangements on educational cooperation, dairy products, temporary workers and meat products are expected to be signed during the Chinese vice premier's visit.

Source: Xinhua