China-New Zealand Dairy Exchange Centre launched

The China-New Zealand Dairy Exchange Centre has officially been launched in Beijing. A joint initiative of Fonterra and China’s National Dairy Industry and Technology System, the centre aims to support the sustainable development of the dairy industry in both countries.

“It is a key priority for Fonterra to contribute to the development of the Chinese dairy industry and we believe there is a lot to be gained by both New Zealand and China through the sharing of knowledge, research and dairy expertise,” said Kelvin Wickham, President of Fonterra Greater China and India.

“Both parties have world-class dairy research and know-how, so we are very pleased to be playing a key role in bringing this initiative to life.”

New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser, New Zealand Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Fonterra Chairman John Wilson and President Greater China and India Kelvin Wickham joined scientist Wang Yuchan and other delegates from the China Ministry of Agriculture at the launch of the China-New Zealand Dairy Exchange Centre.

The centre will develop and oversee programs in policy development in the China and New Zealand dairy sectors, academic exchanges, industry promotion, dairy technology research and personnel training.

The centre’s first three initiatives will involve:

1. Hosting an annual China-NZ Dairy Forum to bring researchers together to share research and best practice in key dairy issues.
2. Overseeing joint research by China and New Zealand dairy experts on dairy industry policy and technologies.
3. Implementing a ‘Golden Key’ training program to provide dairy personnel with training and technology solutions to assist China’s local dairy industry development.

“We’re very pleased to have this in-depth cooperation with Fonterra and the New Zealand dairy industry,” said Wang Yuchan, a scientist with the China Ministry of Agriculture’s National Dairy Industry and Technology System.

“We hope to leverage the China-New Zealand Dairy Exchange Centre as a platform to learn more about New Zealand’s technology and expertise, jointly conduct research and development, and undertake technology exchanges and training on dairy sector issues. This will help us to promote the sustainable development of dairy in both New Zealand and China.”