May 2019 Issue: In Good Heart

The Prime Minister's ticked off her China visit. Now that the symbolic handshakes with Xi Jinping have been completed, the government has spent this month getting the behind the scenes work into gear. Trade Minister David Parker was sent on a "mission" to China. The objective: use the positive momentum from the PM's visit to try speed up the FTA upgrade. This seemed to have been achieved, with a joint directive with China's Commerce Minister issued to officials telling them to complete the upgrade as soon as possible. Parker also attended the second Belt and Road Forum and was positive about the developments announced, namely a broadening of the Belt and Road to beyond just infrastructure. With the possibilities of things such as pest control projects and new flight routes now coming under the Belt and Road umbrella, Parker seemed enthusiastic about its evolution. All we can say is, watch this space...

This month culminated in the annual China Business Summit last week. Featuring speeches by the Prime Minister and Parker, the message pushed was that our relationship with China is growing stronger despite the changing political environment. Jacinda reiterated the "strong foundation" of our relationship, and the importance of discussing differences in a "respectful" manner, while Parker summarised the relationship of being one "in good heart". Things seem a far cry from the apparent "rift" that had been talked about earlier in the year. The Economist's Duncan Innes-Ker considers Jacinda's China trip as key, saying the "face time" she got with Xi Jinping was very important. It looks like Young Professionals at big corporates aren't the only ones who need "face time".

In other news, we (the YA) are celebrating five years of existence! To commemorate this milestone, we are hosting drinks in a few weeks (details below). If you are a regular reader of our newsletter, this is a great chance to come and chat to those who write it. And if you don't like our newsletter, come anyway and say it to our face. See you all there!

Come hang out! It’s been 5 years since NZCTA Young Associates have been around and to celebrate, drinks are (partially) on us!

May 30th will be a perfect night to meet new people and catch-up with old friends! It’s been a half decade of the YA and we would love to share the milestone with you all.

So come relax over some great food and drinks - including one round on us! Spaces are limited so sign up now. EARLYBIRD discount until 20th May.

We recently hosted our breakfast event about working in China in collaboration with CPA Australia. Over 30 early risers enjoyed complimentary breakfast over a beautiful morning view and heard insightful presentations from our two speakers.

Ella Gu, the International Student Strategy Manager at CPA Australia, talked about how a professional qualification can jumpstart your career and connect yourself to the world. NZ Story's Rebecca Smith then shared some interesting insights about their recent China Perceptions Report.

Read a summary here. Look at photos of the event here.

Xi Jinping recently hosted the second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing. Did you know that 5000 delegates around the world turned up to discuss his signature infrastructure project which aims to connect the world?

What exactly it is though is still developing. In this Bloomberg article, you will find 3 key takeaways from the recent summit - an important read considering that just this month, Trade Minister David Parker indicated New Zealand was considering playing a more active part in the project.

Read it here.

One of the most exciting things this year has been seeing what Satellites - an Auckland Council initiative that showcases up and coming Asian artists - has got planned next. Their events have been public and inclusive, aiming to bring art to areas and communities of Auckland that aren’t usually exposed to it. For example, their last event, “Kollywood Extra" allowed participants to be an extra in a fake Kollywood film at Sandringham Reserve. Interactive!

In this article, The Spinoff’s Sam Brooks interviews the founder of Satellites, Rosabel Tan, on why Satellites are moving into spaces that might not always have access to the arts. She talks about the importance of community as a principle of the programme and the struggles of advocating for Asian voices.

Read it here. See their upcoming events here. Follow their Instagram here.

#1. Upcoming Event: NZCTA YA 5th Anniversary Drinks

#2. Previous Event: Working in China Breakfast

#3. Business Desk: 3 Takeaways from the 2nd Belt and Road Forum

#4. Culture Desk: Asian Satellites Over Auckland

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