The annual national conference of the New Zealand-China Friendship Society was held in Wellington on May 27-29, focusing on NZ-China ties in the next decade.

Wellington Deputy Mayor Ian Mckinnon, and Cheng Lei, Charge d'Affairs of the Chinese Embassy attended the meeting.

The theme of the Conference is "China and NZ: The Next Decade" indicating an emphasis on looking forward to the future of the friendship between the two countries.

In his speech, Cheng Lei said China's scientific development has brought opportunity to the world. He said China's development is peaceful and it is not a threat to the world but an opportunity.

Chen said the reason why China has made great progress in the past decades is that China has found the development model suitable for its own conditions.

David Ferickert, adviser on mine safety to the Chinese government, made a presentation on a better way dealing with disasters in China and New Zealand, saying two countries can learn from each other on dealing with mining disasters and earthquakes.

Laytee George, a Chinese teacher from New Zealand North Island town of Rotorua, briefed the participants on her experience in teaching Chinese in New Zealand school in Rotorua.

In his presentation, Stuart Fergusson, chairman of New Zealand- China Trade Association, focused on the misconceptions of difficulties in trading with China.

The New Zealand China Friendship Society was founded in 1952, and today it has 13 branches with about 700 members across the country.