Chinese delegation visits Victoria

On Tuesday the University hosted, in conjunction with Business New Zealand, a visit from His Excellency Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference of the People's Republic of China.

Chairman Jia and his delegation were in New Zealand to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations with New Zealand, and he visited Victoria to deliver a speech to guests, staff and students.

Invited guests heard how increasing cooperative educational initiatives and exchanges between China and New Zealand could further academic and diplomatic relations between the two nations in a speech delivered at Victoria University.

Chairman Jia acknowledged the University's record of teaching and research in Chinese culture, language and history, and expressed a desire for both countries to continue to promote cultural exchanges. He reiterated the significant role New Zealand plays in the Asia-Pacific region and presented a four-point proposal on how to build on our well-established diplomatic relations.

Key themes included continuing high-level political exchanges; furthering investment and business ties in mutually-beneficial industries; increasing opportunities for exchanges and cooperation across all industries; and building a cooperative approach on issues affecting the South Pacific.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Neil Quigley posed questions to Chairman Jia in return, which he answered in more detail, further exploring New Zealand and China's role in the South Pacific region and the difference in size between the two economies.

To end the event, Chairman Jia spoke to four of Victoria's third-year students majoring or double-majoring in Chinese.