Hon Steve Joys, Minister of Economic Development,

Dr Yang Jian, MP,

Mr. Nigel Bickle, Director of Immigration New Zealand,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am so pleased to attend this happy occasion on ANZ's launching acceptance of UnionPay in New Zealand. This is a really wonderful news and lucky omen for welcoming the New Year of 2016. On behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Auckland, I would like to send my warmest congratulations on your cooperation!

Today's event is an important addition of the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership and building community of common destiny between our two countries which was initiated by both leaders of our two countries during President Xi's successful state visit to New Zealand. It reflects the fast growing ties and co-operation between our two countries and two peoples in the recent years at all respects including financial area as well. Since signing FTA in 2008, the trade and investment between our two countries has been remarkably increased. People to people exchanges have been growing quickly. Now, China has become New Zealand's NO 2 trade , largest source of international students. Replacing Britain and the United States, China has become NZ's second largest market of tourist after Australia. Around 400000 people were travelling to each other country last year. Major airlines of both countries opened direct flights from big cities of China to NZ. High quality goods from New Zealand are very popular in china's market, such as dairy products, seafood and other agricultural products.

Now China has entered the first year of implementing its 13th five year plan for economic and social development and an important year to carry out one belt and one road initiative. China's economy enjoyed a median-high stable growth which was about 7% and this direction will not change and will continue to be the major contributor of the world. In next five year we will have 500 million travelers abroad, 500 billion US dollars of foreign investment and 10 trillion US dollars of import, which I believe will bring tremendous opportunities to NZ and Auckland and will greatly boost trade and economic cooperation and people to people exchanges between China and New Zealand.

Frequent personnel and business exchanges between our two countries require higher standard financial services. Direct trading in the Chinese and New Zealand currencies announced in 2014 by Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister John Key provided a more convenient way for both sides to do business and have exchange of personnel. Today ANZ made right and visionary step to accept China UnionPay in its ATM in NZ, China UnionPay is the only Chinese bank card organization in mainland China and an emerging international bank card organization. UnionPay's cards are accepted in more than 150 countries and regions. The cooperation between UnionPay international and New Zealand banks will not only meet the needs of Chinese tourists, business visitors, but also investors and students. By launching the business cooperation with ANZ, it is more convenient and efficient to use UnionPay to make payment,which I strongly believe will advance exchange of personnel and goods between the two countries and it will make an important contribution to the development of the bilateral relations by promoting Win-Win Cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Chinese lunar new year, is coming, Spring festival is a symble of hope, the Year of Monkey stands for wisdom, fortune and good Luck. I wish, UnionPay and ANZ great success in your cooperation and wish you make great fortune and enjoy good luck in your business. wish all the friends present here today a very happy and prosperous new year!

Thank you.