Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown recently visited Guangzhou with a delegation of Auckland-based business leaders, marking the 35th anniversary of the friendship city relationship between Guangzhou and Auckland. 

The visit aims to strengthen economic ties and explore further areas of collaboration between New Zealand and China. 

Reflecting on his trip, Brown noted the rapid pace of development in Guangzhou, remarking, "Every year comes more motorways, more trains, and more big buildings. But the best part is, the city is cleaner, better, and nicer, with flowers everywhere."

He also praised the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's strategic planning, especially the innovative development of Nansha, which he called a "sensible, well-planned move" that offers valuable lessons for Auckland. 

The long-standing relationship between New Zealand and China has spurred robust trade growth, with the total value of goods exchanged between the two nations increasing at an average annual rate of 11 percent over the past 15 years. 

New Zealand's exports to China have grown by an impressive 16 percent annually, driven in part by the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which Brown witnessed as a participant at the signing in 2008. "The FTA allowed us to start increasing our food exports to China," he noted. "We have very high-quality food."

Guangdong Province plays a pivotal role in this economic relationship, accounting for approximately 15 percent of bilateral trade. Mayor Brown expressed interest in deepening ties with Chinese investors, particularly in areas where China is leading. 

"All the things you do well—like electric cars, rail technology—we'd like to see more of," he said. 

Brown highlighted New Zealand's strengths in food technology and noted that Rocket Lab, based in New Zealand, is one of the busiest rocket launchers globally.

Mayor Brown expressed optimism for the future, emphasizing that long-term relationships build mutual understanding and trust. 

"People trade between friends, and as New Zealand and China have gotten to know each other better over 35 years, our understanding has grown," he said, adding that he hopes the friendship between Auckland and Guangzhou will continue for another 35 years.