Top international scholars, Chinese officials and New Zealand exporters will gather at Victoria University of Wellington this month to examine how China’s push to modernise its agricultural sector will affect exporters in New Zealand.

Victoria’s New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre is organising a two-day conference, ‘The Rise of Chinese Agriculture’, to analyse China’s changing policies, market trends, investments, food safety regulations and the potential flow-on effects to New Zealand’s agricultural business.

Chair of the China Research Centre Tony Browne says the conference is a unique opportunity to hear directly from experts, practitioners, policymakers and industry players.

“Included in the line-up of speakers, we have 17 international top scholars and practitioners, including a delegation from China’s Ministry of Agriculture and New Zealanders working in China to examine this critical issue.

“New Zealand exports are dominated by agriculture products and our industry has attracted a lot of investment interest from China. It’s important that we have these discussions now, so our industry is prepared for the changes and challenges ahead.

“We need to analyse very carefully what China’s rising agricultural sector means in the medium and longer term for New Zealand.”

What: The Rise of Chinese Agriculture conferenceWhen: 27-28 OctoberWhere: Victoria University of WellingtonCouncil Chamber, Hunter BuildingGate 2Kelburn ParadeWellington

Please visit the conference webpage for more information, conference programme and list of speakers.