Steven Joyce

Wellington, Oct 15 NZPA - Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce is leading a trade delegation to China in a bid to further build the presence of New Zealand companies in the fast-growing Chinese information and communication technology (ICT) market.

Mr Joyce said senior management from some of New Zealand's leading ICT companies were represented on the trip, which involves visits to Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen from October 17-22.

"The Chinese government has placed great emphasis on developing their high-tech sector and New Zealand companies are well placed to respond to opportunities arising from the rapid growth of China's telecommunications industry."

He said China had over 420 million internet users, 823 million mobile phone users, and 277 million mobile phone internet users.

Mr Joyce, who will take part in meetings with tertiary education groups before the trade mission starts, will meet with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and key telecommunications companies in Beijing, visit the World Expo and address a Kiwi Expat Association function in Shanghai.