China General Interest
China Now gets the low-down on NZTE's high-spec New Zealand concept centre in Shanghai due to be opened in January 2009.
New Zealand businesses active in China or entering the market will have a new facility to help strengthen their marketing when New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) opens a New Zealand concept centre in Shanghai in January 2009, to be known as New Zealand Central. Designed to help companies grow their business in China, New Zealand Central provides a physical presence and a heart and home for the New Zealand brand in Shanghai.
Q: What does New Zealand Central offer?
As a business-to-business centre, New Zealand Central will be a venue to demonstrate the best of New Zealand capability in a professional, New Zealand branded environment with a number of practical and flexible facilities for promotion and hospitality.
It will provide:
- multi-purpose function and event space
- a demonstration kitchen for food and beverage promotions
- meeting rooms (which can be joined to form a large boardroom)
- hot desks and internet access for short market visits
- a business lounge area for casual meetings
- New Zealand styled menus and catering
- garden area for outdoor hospitality
- guest reception
Key features of New Zealand Central will be the wi-fi enabled, smart technology provided throughout for interactive and multimedia presentations, and the flexible nature of the function space.
New Zealand Central will also help companies access service packages with a nearby office provider who can lease space and provide office support.
New Zealand Central does not have a retail component and is not a consumer oriented centre.
Q: Why is NZTE opening New Zealand Central?
China offers important strategic opportunities for New Zealand companies. As New Zealand’s third largest bilateral trading partner and fourth largest export market for goods, China is already vitally important to New Zealand’s economy. In the last ten years New Zealand exports to China have increased almost 200 per cent a year. NZTE’s expansion plans will help maximise New Zealand’s trade with China.
Q: What is NZTE’s expansion plan for Asia?
New Zealand Central will be the most visible and significant investment that NZTE makes in China in 2008. Other initiatives include:
- opening up to five more NZTE offices across China in the next four years
- development of the Beachheads programme in China
- participation at the Food and Hotel China trade show in Shanghai
- New Zealand’s participation in Shanghai Expo 2010.
Q: How will New Zealand Central help New Zealand businesses in China?
For companies exploring the market or looking to create a long term presence in China, New Zealand Central will assist with connections and capability building. An ongoing programme of events, promotions, seminars and networking will support trade and investment opportunities. New Zealand businesses can use the centre to build brand recognition, profile and a network of contacts.
New Zealand Central will provide a venue to demonstrate the best of New Zealand capability, be it ICT, creative, textiles, manufacturing, food and beverage or any other industry in a branded, professional New Zealand environment. It will also promote collaboration between New Zealand companies in the market
Q: Why Shanghai?
Shanghai has a modern and flexible business climate and is an ideal gateway for New Zealand businesses entering China.
Location and visibility are vital to create an impact in a market as large and dynamic as Shanghai. New Zealand Central will be located on the edge of the prestigious Xintiandi area – arguably the most upmarket retail, leisure and residential precinct in Puxi (downtown Shanghai).
The modern third floor corner site with adjoining garden area provides excellent opportunities to showcase the best of New Zealand. With New Zealand Central located on the top floor and with direct lift access, the floors below include commercial banks and upmarket retail and cafes.
Register your interest
To register interest and receive updates on New Zealand Central, email the project team with your full name and contact details: nzcentral@nzte.govt.nz.
Oct 28, 2008