Customs office opened in China

New Zealand has opened its first Customs office in Beijing in a step towards fighting the increasing amount of methamphetamine imported into New Zealand.

Customs counsellor Matt Roseingrave will work with Chinese and other international law enforcement agencies to help combat international criminal activity and address other security concerns.

Key among these issues is the increasing amount of methamphetamine precursors being trafficked to New Zealand.

Comptroller of Customs Martyn Dunne officially opened the office of the customs counsellor in a ceremony yesterday hosted by the New Zealand Ambassador to China Tony Browne and attended by a number of Chinese dignitaries, including Vice-Minister Gong Zheng.

"The office of customs counsellor will allow New Zealand and China to join forces to face these challenges together," Mr Dunne said.

Mr Roseingrave will also work with China Customs and New Zealand trade policy officials to support the New Zealand Government's Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the Chinese government, Mr Dunne said.

- NZPA