29 Jun 2012

Maori hope to set up trade office in China

7:28 am on 29 June 2012

Maori business leaders who've just returned from China hope to set up an office there to facilitate trade to and from the region.

A delegation of Maori business leaders, led by Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples, has just returned from a trade mission to mainland China and Hong Kong.

Delegation convenor Ngahiwi Tomoana, of Ngati Kahungunu, says many of the deals struck during the visit are still commercially sensitive.

But he says more products are already changing hands, particularly within the seafood industry.

Mr Tomoana says the mayor of Jiangmen even offered assistance to set up a Maori office in the port town.

A group of representatives plans to return to China in September.