China and New Zealand have held their first official dialogue on new-energy vehicles (NEVs), signalling potential expansion of bilateral cooperation in electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and low-carbon technologies.
The talks were co-chaired in Wellington by Xin Guobin, Vice Minister of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and Siobhan Routledge, Acting Deputy Chief Executive of New Zealand’s Ministry of Transport, according to a statement released by MIIT.
The Chinese ministry said it is willing to strengthen cooperation with New Zealand in NEVs, charging networks and wider low-carbon sectors. The dialogue comes as the two countries enter the second decade of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which the ministry said could help advance bilateral cooperation in emerging industries.
Routledge said New Zealand is actively promoting the adoption of NEVs and described the inaugural dialogue as a foundation for deeper collaboration. “This will establish a communication platform for expanding bilateral NEV cooperation, and globally leading NEV enterprises – including those from China – are welcome to enter the New Zealand market,” she said.
While no specific commercial agreements were announced, only a limited number of Chinese electric vehicle makers have so far entered the New Zealand market. Geely Auto launched its EX5 electric SUV in New Zealand and Australia in March, followed by Zeekr’s market entry in August. Last month, IM Motors, the EV unit of SAIC Motor, introduced its LS6 SUV in New Zealand under the local name IM6.
Other Chinese automakers, including Nio, have previously conducted vehicle testing in New Zealand, using the country’s Southern Hemisphere climate to complement testing conditions in China. The MIIT did not provide further details on the scope or timeline of future NEV cooperation.
