Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples is in China this week looking for openings for Maori business.
Dr Sharples is taking 15 Maori business leaders to visit Beijing, Shanghai and Guizhou.
He says they are calling the visit 'Te Ara ki Haina' because they believe the cultural relationships formed will open up pathways for trade and business.
Dr Sharples told Waatea News that China is now New Zealand's second largest market for exports.
After visiting the World Expo in Shanghai, he will help open a massive carved waharoa (gateway) at the Baoshan folk arts museum.
The waharoa has been gifted by New Zealand to the people of China after being worked on throughout the Expo.
