China to import NZ beef and lamb, export onions

China will start importing frozen-fresh beef and lamb from New Zealand in a stable and orderly way and exporting onions to the island country, according to two memorandums of understanding signed on Monday during Premier Li Keqiang's visit.

Premier Li Keqiang and New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English witnessed the signing of nine of 13 documents the two countries signed on Monday in Wellington. [Photo/Xinhua]

The documents, among 13 agreements made during Li's visit, was signed by China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries.

Premier Li and New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English witnessed the signing of nine documents, including these two, before a joint news conference.

"We are willing to expand import of iced-fresh beef to endow Chinese consumers more choices for higher-quality goods. New Zealand is also welcome to import Chinese onions,"Li said during his meeting with English.

This demonstrates the two economies can highly complement each other, even in agricultural goods, he said.

"As protectionism and the sentiment against trade liberalization are rising around the world, we want to promote our bilateral trade in the spirit of mutual openness and take real actions to safeguard free trade and economic globalization. The upgrade of China-New Zealand free-trade agreement is crucial for both countries, the region and the international community,"Li said.