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Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang has called for more cultural and educational cooperation with New Zealand, at the start of his three-day visit to the country.

Li Keqiang made the remarks on Sunday, while attending the opening ceremony of a Confucius Institute in the city of Christchurch. He noted that China has become New Zealand's largest source of overseas students, saying it has created an interest in the Chinese language and culture among New Zealanders.

Li Keqiang says the Confucius Institute in Canterbury University is the second to open in the country. Its establishment shows the two countries have expanded cooperation in the fields of culture, education and technology.

The Vice Premier, says he hopes the institute will become a bridge for bilateral cooperation.