New Zealand Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce, leading a trade delegation, left for China on Thursday night in a bid to boost the presence of New Zealand companies in the rapidly growing market there.

He said in a statement that New Zealand companies are well placed to take advantage of the Chinese government's emphasis on developing the country's high-tech sector.

China has more than 420 million internet users, 823 million mobile phone users and 277 million people who use the internet on their mobile phone.

"The Chinese government has placed great emphasis on developing their high-tech sector and New Zealand companies are well placed to respond to opportunities arising from the rapid growth of China 's telecommunications industry," he said.

"This mission aims to help further develop long-term, sustainable relationships with key Chinese agencies and companies operating in the ICT sector," he said.

The delegation will visit Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen from Oct. 17 to 22.

It is New Zealand's sixth ministerial mission to the Shanghai 2010 World Expo this year.