Tan Jialing, vice chairwoman of Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, introduced Chongqing's plan to make the city a cultural and tourist destination and invited New Zealand friends to visit the city.

"This year is China-New Zealand year of tourism. We are looking forward to deepening exchanges with New Zealand on culture and tourism," said Tan.

Deputy Consul-General of China in Auckland Xiao Yewen acknowledged this exhibition as a great opportunity to promote bilateral exchange between China and New Zealand, and Chongqing and Auckland.

"China is New Zealand's second largest tourist market and the number of two-way visits reached 600,000 last year. Tourism has played an important role in promoting people to people exchange and mutual understandings between the two countries, bringing great impetus to facilitate our social and economic development," said Xiao.