China, Maori to strengthen economic ties

WELLINGTON - A high-level delegation representing businesses owned by New Zealand's indigenous Maori will leave for a six-city tour of China Saturday.

Led by Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples, the delegation is to meet government and business leaders in Beijing, Guizhou, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Jiangmen and Hong Kong.

The delegates were from a wide range of sectors including fishing, forestry, agribusiness, education, food and beverage, investment and banking.

The Maori economy was valued at more than 37 billion NZ dollars a year ($27.72 billion) a year, and the delegates were hoping to strengthen economic and cultural relationships in China, said Sharples in a statement.

"Some of our largest Maori-owned farms, iconic tourism ventures and other innovative businesses are joining us - at no small expense to themselves," said Sharples.

"Some members are set to formalise commercial relationships and sign agreements with a range of Chinese companies," said Sharples.

The phenomenal growth of the Asian and Chinese economies was something the Maori economy could relate and aspire to, he said.