By Melissa Davies
The man in line to take one of the most powerful jobs in the world has arrived in New Zealand for trade talks.
Chinese vice-president Xi Jinping says China needs New Zealand's help to further boost its economy and it seems we owe them.
New Zealand's exports to China have jumped a whopping $860 million in the past year.
Pita Sharples told Mr Jinping that New Zealand and China were friends today as the vice-president was welcomed by Maori warriors.
Mr Jinping is a good friend for New Zealand to have, he iss expected to step into the shoes of the Chinese president in two years and is keen to continue close economic ties.
Since a free trade agreement was signed between the two countries in 2008 China has become New Zealand's second largest trading partner and exports to China have increased by $860 million in the past year.
“We are now keeping people employed in this country, companies operating because of the China relationship,” says Trade Minister Tim Groser.
Mr Jinping says China can benefit too by what he calls New Zealand's superior innovation and technology.
“We should focus on improving the quality of economic co-operation as the next step. We should co-operate based on mutual benefit and what each other can offer,” he says.
Travelling with the vice-president is a group of around 100 business delegates. They are believed to be the most high-powered Chinese business delegation to ever visit New Zealand.
Among them is the vice-chairman of Haier electrical appliances who bought a twenty percent stake in Fisher and Paykel last year.
He toured the factory this afternoon and will pick out what products will soon be sold in China.
Business leaders were not the only ones taking advantage of the vice-president's visit.
About 20 free-Tibet protestors gathered outside the hotel where Mr Jinping was having lunch with Trade Minister Tim Groser but human rights issues were certainly not a topic of discussion.
“[He was] very personable,” says Mr Groser.
“I won't reveal in public what we talked about our young lives but it was very interesting.”
Mr Jinping told the audience he thought Auckland was beautiful and also enjoyed some locally produced wine.
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