NZTE is New Zealand’s international business development agency. Our role is to help New Zealand businesses build strategic alliances and develop commercial relationships internationally. Through a global network of 46 offices, we connect New Zealand businesses with the world, sharing opportunities, knowledge, experience and networks. NZTE works with companies in the marine sector to help identify opportunities, build business relationships and promote their capabilities in international markets. Our Marine High Impact Programme supports collaborations between companies and government agencies to focus on longer-term, strategic opportunities that will deliver growth to the New Zealand economy. Building a deeper relationship with China is one of the strategic priorities for the Marine High Impact Programme. NZTE is a supporter of major events that contribute to economic development, such as the forthcoming Volvo Ocean Race. Following the leg from Sanya, China to Auckland the city will host a 16 day stopover from 27 February to 15 March 2015.