BRAINSTORMING NEEDED
Meanwhile, China-born legislator Raymond Huo believed the Belt and Road Initiative can help solve the problem of infrastructure development facing many developed nations.
"There is a dilemma. New Zealand, Australia and other developed countries including the U.S. and Canada are all facing the same problem," Huo told Xinhua.
"We haven't done much upgrading, so we need money, we need capital, and we need the construction capacity. China has both," he said.
Huo said he first realized the potential of Belt and Road Initiative when he attended two high-level conferences in China, and he believed New Zealand should seize the opportunities it offers.
Along with other experts on China and leading business people, he has established a think tank and foundation on the Initiative.
The think tank aims to tackle issues including a possibly prevailing protectionist trend around the world, and public perceptions of and attitudes towards global trade, among others.
The foundation is expected to focus on financing, joining in efforts by such institutions as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and Silk Road Fund to work for infrastructure projects.
"We need a think tank to get involved in brainstorming to find a way to benefit the New Zealand economy," including an infrastructure upgrade, Huo, the think tank's co-chair, said in a telephone interview.
Huo believed the think tank will also help New Zealanders to better understand the Belt and Road Initiative as well as the Chinese people and culture.
It has already established links with China's National Development and Reform Commission, construction companies and private equity firms to seek opportunities.
In addition, it plans to convene a high-level conference on New Zealand-based Initiative projects after the New Zealand general elections to be held in September.
"We will bring together and coordinate a network of business leaders and organizations across the board to develop effective, efficient and environmentally sustainable economy while maintaining peace and harmony in our region," said Huo.
Simon Draper, executive director of Asia-New Zealand Foundation, described the Belt and Road Initiative as "organic".
"It's going to develop over time," he said. "It seems to me that it's potentially a train coming down the track and we have to understand it better."
Trade Minister Todd McClay said the Initiative itself is to endure the test of time while stressing that New Zealand saw itself as a partner of China in its implementation.
"You could almost suggest that the road starts in New Zealand, but we'll be looking for ways to enhance our relationship through this substantial and worthwhile initiative," McClay said.
"It's an ongoing conversation we're having and I don't think it's about just what we might think today. The Initiative itself is to endure the test of time and it's about enhancing opportunities for citizens of those countries through growth and a stronger economy," he said.
