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The development of New Zealand’s current relationship with Italy dates from the period of the Second World War, during which New Zealand soldiers participated in the liberation of Italy. This involvement has not been forgotten in either country and New Zealand’s role is remembered in many Italian towns and villages. In May 2004, the then Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark represented New Zealand at the 60th commemoration of the battle of Monte Cassino. The Defence Attaché in London is accredited to Italy.
Italy uses Christchurch as a base and the two countries cooperate (under a bilateral agreement) in Antarctic research and exploration, as well as at meetings of the parties to the Antarctic Treaty. A film co-production agreement was signed in 1997, and a Social Security Agreement was concluded in 1998, although this is yet to be ratified by the Italian Parliament. A bilateral air services agreement was signed during the New Zealand Prime Minister’s visit in September 2001. Multilaterally, we enjoy good contact with the Italians and often there is a meeting of minds on major international issues.
Prime Minister Helen Clark undertook a short visit to Italy in November 2006, where she met with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.
Land Area - 301,336 sq km
Population
- 58.1 m (2007)
Capital City -
Rome
Political system - Parliamentary democracy Bicameral
legislature: Senate 315 seats Chamber of Deputies 630 seats
National
government -
Centre Right Coalition - Popolo della Liberta
Last
election – April 2008 (next election due by April 2013)
Head
of State - President Giorgio
Napolitano (elected May 2006; next election due by May 2013)
Head of Government - Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (since May 2008)
GDP -
US$2,064 billion
Real GDP
growth - 1.1%
Exports - US$436.6 billion
Imports -
US$456.7 billion
Main
exports - Engineering products, textiles and clothing, production machinery, motor vehicles, transport equipment, chemicals, food and beverages, tobacco, minerals and nonferrous metals
Inflation 2.0%
NZ
Exports (FOB) - NZ$359 million
Main Exports - Leather of bovine, wool,
sheep meat, fruit, beef, dairy and hides
NZ
Imports (CIF)
- NZ$672 million
Main Imports - Heaters and driers, pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles, processed tomatoes, taps and valvestop of page
New Zealand Embassy Rome, Italy [external link].
The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Italy [external link].
