Li describes New Zealand as a partner in innovation

land, Australia and the global market. It means we can work together to explore third-party markets,” Li added.

The center Li and English visited on Tuesday was opened in 2014 by local company Fisher & Paykel and Shandong-based Haier Group to make innovative products. Li encouraged the center’s employees to come up with more products to better meet consumer demand after the leaders were shown new compressors made there.

English said the center has created efficient appliances, while other Chinese companies such as e-commerce giant Alibaba Group have helped increase job opportunities in New Zealand.

English noted the fast-growing Chinese economy has helped boost development of New Zealand and Australia. Li visited Canberra and Sydney last week.

Also on Tuesday, Li met with business leaders and New Zealand Governor-General Patsy Reddy.

LIU ZHEN / CHINA NEWS SERVICE Premier Li Keqiang and New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English (center) visit the research and development center created by Shandongbased Haier Group and local company Fisher & Paykel in Auckland. They were shown compressors and other new products...