Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd (ATEED) signed a series of cooperation agreements with the Shenzhen Bureau of Culture, Sport and Tourism on Friday, at the launch of the China Cup International Regatta.

The cities will enhance in-depth collaboration in regatta promotion and seamanship. According to the agreement, Auckland will also be an official promotion city for the China Cup.

Han Xingyuan, deputy director general with the Shenzhen Bureau of Culture, Sport and Tourism, said that tourism is a major industry for Shenzhen, with about 91 million visitors coming to the city in 2012. "Shenzhen has become an important tourist destination."

"We would like to strengthen our exchange with New Zealand in various sectors and achieve a win-win situation," said Han.

Rebecca Needham, New Zealand Embassy Consul-General Guangzhou, said that China enjoys strong relations with New Zealand.

"Tourism cooperation is important for our two countries. In the fields of marine culture and tourism, there is particular potential between Auckland and Shenzhen."

Since the 1980s, New Zealand has a long history of sailing and has established an advanced talent training system.

Needham said that she is looking forward to further cooperation between both cities.

Xiao Yu, COO and founder of the China Cup International Regatta, said: "New Zealand is a power house in the regatta world. We hope that through the bilateral cooperation, we can learn more from New Zealand, send more teenagers to study seamanship overseas and enhance exchanges between the two sides. Meanwhile, we also hope that the cooperation will bring more international sailors to the China Cup. "

ATEED is a wholly owned subsidiary of Auckland Council, which is the largest local government authority of New Zealand. It helps start and grow businesses in Auckland and supports the city’s key sectors.

Auckland is known as the "City of Sails" and has more boats per head of population than any other city in the world.

Boating is a year-round activity in Auckland, especially on the weekends and during the long summer days.

Jason Hill, head of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd (ATEED) said that the China Cup has become an influential event in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Regattas are a flagship tourism project and we are confident in China, the largest potential market," said Hill.

"It will be a perfect marketing platform for us. We value this cooperation, and hope that more people will know about Auckland, about our sailing culture, and will travel and study there. In the future, we will hold forums in the Asia-Pacific region to promote economies, culture, tourism and marine industries in both sides," he said.