From May 13 to 17, an 11-member delegation led by Nadine Taylor, Mayor of Marlborough District of New Zealand, visited Ningxia. The purpose of their visit was to explore Ningxia’s progress in its specialty industries of strength, particularly the wine sector. Together with Ningxia authorities, they co-organized a wine industry cooperation and exchange meeting, leveraging their strong friendship to foster more practical and tangible relations between the two regions. Zhang Yupu, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Ningxia Committee and Governor of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, met with the delegation, and Wang Li, Vice Governor of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, attended the meeting.

While in Ningxia, the delegation visited Ningxia University and Ningxia Institute of Science and Technology. Schools from both sides held in-depth discussions on potential collaboration models and signed inter-university cooperation agreements, marking a joint commitment to training international talent for the wine industry. They also visited the Minning New Image Exhibition Center and the Jinhuayuan Community in Litong District of Wuzhong City, gaining firsthand insights into the vibrant reality of Ningxia’s multi-ethnic communities living in harmony and enjoying peaceful, happy lives. Furthermore, the delegation went to wineries including Yuanshi Vineyard, Xige Estate, and Helanhong Winery, as well as the International Wine Museum of Helan Mountains’ Eastern Foot. These trips allowed them to gain a closer look at Ningxia’s wine industry, while exploring and advancing potential collaborations in areas like technological innovation, product R&D, and marketing. The delegation was also guested at the Ningxia Yili Dairy Company, seeking to broaden the scope of their cooperation.

Nadine Taylor and her delegation offered high comments on Ningxia’s achievements in economic development and opening up. She noted that Marlborough District and Ningxia are both prominent wine-producing regions within their respective countries, possessing a strong foundation and vast potential for cooperation in fields like wine production and modern agriculture. She expressed the hope that this visit would serve as a springboard for further developing the friendship between the two regions, expanding practical cooperation across various sectors, and enhancing exchanges at all levels to strengthen and deepen mutual understanding. Ultimately, the cooperation is aimed to achieve shared prosperity and bring benefits to the peoples of both regions.

The Ningxia Foreign Affairs Office will follow up with the cooperation initiatives raised from this visit, and enhance communication and coordination with the Marlborough District, strengthening the bonds of friendship and collaboration. Efforts on deepening economic and trade exchanges will be made, while fostering cooperation in areas including viticulture and winemaking, aquaculture, green development, education and culture, as well as youth exchanges, so as to provide concrete support for Ningxia’s endeavor to ensure stable growth and bolster development in six relevant areas, and to contribute Ningxia’s part to the ongoing development of China-New Zealand relations.