The first-ever New Zealand-China Mayoral Forum took place in Xiamen in September 2015, establishing a new platform for local government cooperation. Eastern Bridge played a key supporting role for its council clients, providing strategic advice and due diligence.
The inaugural New Zealand-China Mayoral Forum was held in Xiamen, China, in September 2015, marking a significant step in strengthening sub-national relationships between the two countries. The forum, first announced by then-Prime Minister John Key and President Xi Jinping in 2014, provided a new platform for mayors and local government leaders to build direct connections and explore opportunities in trade, investment, and culture.
A 75-strong New Zealand delegation, including 12 mayors from across the country, travelled to the coastal city of Xiamen for the event. The forum culminated in the signing of the Xiamen Declaration, a commitment to foster closer cooperation and advance economic development for the people of both nations.
“Having an agreement with one of the world’s largest economies is a significant step to supporting regional economic growth. The deepening of relationships at a sub-national level opens the door for further trade and investment.” — Lawrence Yule, President of Local Government New Zealand (2015)
Eastern Bridge’s Supporting Role
While the forum was a high-level government initiative, Eastern Bridge played a crucial role on the periphery, providing essential support to its local council clients participating in the event. Our work focused on ensuring our clients were well-prepared to maximise the opportunities the forum presented.
This support included providing strategic advice on engagement, conducting due diligence and background checks on potential partners, and offering translation and interpretation services to facilitate clear communication. Eastern Bridge also assisted in designing and producing high-quality promotional materials for councils and their accompanying businesses to showcase their regions effectively to a Chinese audience.
| Eastern Bridge Support Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Strategic Advice | Providing councils with insights on navigating the Chinese business and political landscape. |
| Due Diligence | Conducting background checks on potential partners to ensure reliability and mitigate risk. |
| Translation & Interpretation | Ensuring seamless communication during meetings, presentations, and networking events. |
| Promotional Materials | Designing and localising brochures, presentations, and other materials for a Chinese audience. |
Key Themes and Outcomes
The forum focused on four main themes: regional economic development, tourism, education, and primary industries. Breakout sessions allowed mayors and business leaders to delve into specific areas of interest, sharing insights and exploring potential collaborations.
The signing of the Xiamen Declaration provided a formal framework for future engagement, with both sides agreeing to hold the forum biennially. The event was widely seen as a success, laying a strong foundation for a new chapter of sub-national diplomacy and creating tangible opportunities for New Zealand regions to engage directly with their counterparts in China.
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