Chinese consul set up in Christchurch
The move comes at the same time that PwC has signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Development Bank.
The Chinese government has set up a consulate in Christchurch with about 10 staff.
It is headed up by consular general Xiutian Tan who was formerly in Edinburgh. Her husband is understood to have worked in the Chinese embassy in Amsterdam.
The consulate has premises at 106 Hansons Road in Riccarton.
A member of the Christchurch branch of the China-New Zealand Friendship Society said he had intended to ask Madame Tan if the Christchurch earthquake rebuilding effort was a trigger for the Chinese presence.
But he said the move was probably overdue given there were about 15,000 Chinese people in the city.
“She’s a lovely personality, very good English, and a very sharp cookie,” he said.
The Christchurch branch members include academics such as former Canterbury University lecturer Professor Bill Willmott, a long admirer of Chinese culture.
The move comes at the same time that PwC has signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Development Bank, witnessed by Finance Minister Bill English in Wellington recently.
PwC chief executive officer Bruce Hassall said, ““Signing this MoU is a landmark event in continuing to strengthen the relationship between PwC and CDB. CDB is committed to helping investment and development in New Zealand and particularly assisting with the reconstruction of Christchurch.”
Mr Hassall said the signing signaled the first step on what PwC believed will be a constructive and positive path for the benefit of Christchurch businesses and the wider New Zealand economy.
“By signing the MoU, PwC and CDB have agreed to cooperate on major development projects with particular emphasis on reconstruction and investment in the Canterbury region of New Zealand following the Canterbury earthquakes, as well as in agriculture, infrastructure, natural resources and finance.”
Chris Hutching
Wed, 19 Oct 2011
Wed, 19 Oct 2011
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Chinese consul set up in Christchurch
17438