Your ticket to China

An official delegation with 40 members has been organized for a group of  New Zealand dealers to attend the first China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE) with the Chinese Government extending its welcome to anyone with an interest in sourcing vehicles and parts from the growing superpower.

The expo, to be held in Beijing, brings together outstanding auto parts enterprises from both China and abroad. All 18 of China's vehicle manufacturers will participate alongside Bosch, Denso, Delphi, General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota, Daimler- Chrysler, BMW, PSA Peugeot- Citroen and Hyundai.

Event organisers say that the first CIAPE will present a comprehensive display of domestic and international auto parts and components and after- sale products.

CIAPE will open a window for China and for international automobile and auto parts industries by introducing its development level and trend of growth. Event organizers say it will serve as a platform for the release and commercialization of new products, technologies and materials, introduction of advanced technology, equipment, key parts, advanced management and overseas intelligence.

It also aims to promote import and export, new market development, investment and cooperation both at home and abroad, interaction between research and development and production and multilateral exchange.

“The Chinese embassy approached us, and told us of their plan to get vehicles into New Zealand,” he said “We were initially asked if we'd be interested in running road shows introducing the Chinese industry to New Zealand, at which we would gauge dealer interest. We were also given the opportunity to invite dealers to the expo.

“The positive response we received from both our initial email and our subsequent follow- up has resulted in the Chinese embassy working to make the trip an official New Zealand trade delegation, where we will be given the opportunity to meet with trade ministry figureheads and visit vehicle manufacturers over there.

“China wants to start exporting its vehicles and parts here. New Zealand is seen as an ideal initial market because it is relatively small with a free market and open economy.”

“Attendees can expect to see the sorts of products that are currently being manufactured in China and have the opportunity to develop relationships with the manufacturers and relevant bureaucrats and officials.”

For those interested in attending the expo, Vinsen says the embassy has been working to arrange competitive travel packages, involving four and five star accommodation.

“The embassy is throwing its full weight behind this initiative, which is a positive affirmation for the New Zealand trade,” he says.