China, NZ envision broader FTA

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L front) holds a welcoming ceremony for visiting New Zealand Prime Minister John Key before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, April 18, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

New Zealand maintains advantages in agricultural products and animal husbandry, making it the second-largest economy in Oceania, after Australia.

Key is making his sixth visit to China, following Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's visit last week, in which he visited Beijing and Shanghai. Both Oceanic powers have eyed the Chinese market as a driving force for their domestic economies.

"There exists competition between New Zealand and Australia for a larger share of the Chinese market. The two visits were scheduled within a week," Chen said.

huyongqi@chinadaily.com.cn