Hong Kong - New Zealand's 18th largest trade partner

Recently I passed through Hong Kong on a flight to London.   Our flight schedule allowed time to do just one thing - what was it to be?  Shopping? A ferry trip?  In the end we opted for a journey on the Peak tramway.   It certainly outshone Wellington's Cable Car in length, steepness and variety.   And the views - well you can see the views...   The growth of the city is evident from this picture. (Photo: Graeme Siddle, 31 May, 2011)

The growth in demand has been reflected in growth in  some products exported to Hong Kong from New Zealand which have shown remarkable growth in the 2009-2010 period.   Sheep meat exports have increased 74.7% over that time, and honey a remarkable 96.2%.   Overall growth has not been so marked with only a 0.4% growth 2009-2010.

Our trade balance with Hong Kong is well in New Zealand's favour being 691 million NZD for the year ended June 2010.   No doubt great store will be being placed on the New Zealand-Hong Kong, China Closer Economic Partnership (NZ-HK CEP) which  entered into force on 1 January 2011, and it will be interesting to see what story the merchandise trade figures tell for the period ended June 2011. Text of the Agreement and other information on the Hong Kong Agreement can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website at:
http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Trade-and-Economic-Relations/2-Trade-Relationships-and-Agreements/Hong-Kong/index.php