China food fears raise potential for NZ

China's long-running food-safety scares and milk powder contamination problems have increased demand for reliable overseas supplies, creating sound investment opportunities for New Zealand's agriculture-centric economy.

Bill English, New Zealand's deputy prime minister and minister of finance, said fears among Chinese parents over the quality of local dairy products had grown in recent years following a slew of food-safety scandals. The resulting demand for safe raw milk and baby powder created a "two-way" investment opportunities for New Zealand and Chinese investors, he said.