China, NZ agree to scale up trade ties

Cooperation also expected in new energy vehicles, e-commerce, green economy

China and New Zealand have agreed to scale up bilateral trade and bolster cooperation in e-commerce, trade in services, the green economy and establish a dialogue mechanism for new energy vehicles, according to a joint statement released by the two countries on Wednesday.

The joint statement came after talks between Premier Li Qiang and New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in Beijing.

New Zealand supports China's efforts to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership as well as Beijing's participation in ongoing talks over China's joining the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, the statement said.