Lan Fo'an, Party secretary of North China's Shanxi province, met with John Key, former New Zealand prime minister, on July 11. 

Lan warmly welcomed John Key and his delegation and provided an overview of Shanxi's economic and social development. 

Lan emphasized that Shanxi will rely on the solid foundation of economic and trade exchanges, sister city relationships, and personnel exchanges, to deepen comprehensive exchanges and cooperation with New Zealand in various fields, contributing to the stable and long-term development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand. 

John Key admired Shanxi's recent development and changes across various sectors. He highlighted Shanxi's rich historical and cultural heritage, beautiful natural environment, unique resource endowment, and favorable investment environment. 

The year of 2024 will mark the 10th anniversary of establishing the comprehensive strategic partnership between New Zealand and China. John Key expressed his willingness to promote exchanges and cooperation between New Zealand and Shanxi in various fields. He pledged to recommend more high-level delegations from New Zealand to visit Shanxi to enhance cooperation further and encourage more New Zealand companies to invest and do business in Shanxi.