Hastings plans to sell itself as the preferred destination for people from China seeking immigration under business, entrepreneur and investor categories over the next year.
It's part of the Hastings District Council's international economic development strategy which was adopted by the council's policy and strategy committee yesterday.
The study aimed to increase overseas investment to expand Hastings' business base, enable local industry to grow export markets and increase the number of international students studying in the district.
It would target China first because it was an area where the council could take advantage of its 30-year sister city relationship with Guilin and where the senior status of its mayor Lawrence Yule within Local Government New Zealand was held in high regard.
The strategy's "China action plan" included working with groups such as New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Export New Zealand and Business Hawke's Bay and Hawke's Bay Tourism to generate export and investment opportunities, as well as a focus on research and development.