AUCKLAND, Nov. 21  -- Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Friday that China and New Zealand have huge potential in cooperation in the two countries' agriculture and animal husbandry.

Xi and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key attended an agricultural technology exhibition of New Zealand, a sideline event of Xi's state visit to the island country.

The Chinese president said agriculture and animal husbandry is an important part of bilateral cooperation.

New Zealand enjoys a high reputation in agriculture and animal husbandry, while China is a large consumer market, so both sides have a huge potential in cooperation in such fields, Xi said.

Chinese enterprises' investment in New Zealand's agriculture and animal husbandry is conducive to local employment and economic growth, and agricultural products can also be sold to Chinese consumers, he said.

Xi is on a three-day state visit to New Zealand, the first by a Chinese president in 11 years.

He is scheduled to fly to Fiji later Friday to continue his South Pacific trip, which has already taken him to Australia.