Cook Islands Foreign Minister Wilkie Rasmussen has said the Pacific island nation will open a representative office in China in August.

Rasmussen made the announcement on Wednesday after he introduced Leon Xu to cabinet as the newly appointed honorary consul to China's eastern coastal city of Qingdao, the Cook Islands News reported on Thursday.

Xu is a New Zealand citizen and businessman based in Manukau City with interests in China and New Zealand.

The Cook Islands cabinet approved Xu's appointment about two weeks ago. Rasmussen said a dedicated Cook Islands office in China will help the country better promote trade and investment.

Rasmussen said Xu will have the authority to also work for the Cooks as a special representative in Beijing and Asia in general.

The Cook Islands already has one honorary consul in China, Angela Manarangi, who is based in Shanghai.

Rasmussen said Xu will add to this presence, admitting he is not the usual diplomatic appointment in that he comes from the private sector.

The minister said Xu will be able to help promote the Cook Islands in China in terms of tourism and trade.

(Xinhua News Agency June 4, 2009)