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New Zealand has had diplomatic relations with Venezuela since 1980. The bilateral relationship between New Zealand and Venezuela is based largely on trade, particularly in dairy products. In the year to December 2008, New Zealand exported NZ$653.8 million worth of goods to Venezuela, of which NZ$646.3 million were in the dairy sector, making it New Zealand’s third largest dairy market in the world for the period.
New Zealand and Venezuela are both members of the UN, WTO and FEALAC (Forum for East Asia – Latin America Cooperation) and work together in these fora on issues of mutual interest.
Venezuela is eligible for assistance under a modest fund operated by the New Zealand Embassy in Mexico City. The Head of Mission Fund, as it is known, is available to assist small non-government organisations and community group development projects in Venezuela.
See full details of the development relationship on the New Zealand Aid Programme website.
New Zealand’s Minister of Agriculture, Hon John Luxton, visited Venezuela in late 1999.
Official name – The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Land Area – 912,050 sq km
Population – 27.7 million (2008 estimate)
Capital City – Caracas
Religion – Catholic
Official language – Spanish
Currency – Bolivar
Exchange Rate – 2.15 Bolivares = US$1 (fixed from February 2008)
Political system – Presidential; Universal adult suffrage
National government – Council of Ministers appointed by President
National legislature – 167 member unicameral National Assembly
Last election – Presidential – December 2006; legislative – December 2005
Next election due – Presidential – December 2012; legislative – December 2010
Head of State – President Hugo Chávez Frías
Head of Government – President Hugo Chávez Frías
Key Ministers:
Foreign Affairs: Nicolás Maduro
Light Industry and Trade: William Antonio Contreras
Main political parties:
Movement of the Fifth Republic (MVR).
The United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) was created to unite the MVR with other pro-Chávez parties, but some parties will remain outside the grouping.
Opposition parties include:
Democratic Action (AD)
Socialism Movement (MAS)
First Justice (PJ)
Nominal GDP – US$320.2billion
GDP Per Capita – US$11.5 billion
Real GDP Growth – 4.8%
Exports FOB – US$93.5 billion
Imports – US$48.1 billion
Main export – Oil
Consumer price inflation (average) – 30.4%
Gross external debt – US$47.3 billion (estimate)
Current account – US$39.2 billion surplus
Source: Economist Intelligence Unit (2008 figures)
NZ Exports |
NZ$653.8 million |
Main Exports |
Milk and cream, concentrated (93%), Cheese (2%), Whey and products (1%) |
NZ Imports |
NZ$501,000 |
Main Imports |
Animal products for pharmaceutical preparations (62%), Yachts and other vessels (27%) |
Source: Statistics New Zealand (year to December 2008)top of page
The New Zealand Embassy in Mexico City is also responsible for Venezuela [external link].
The Venezuelan Embassy in Canberra is also responsible for New Zealand [external link].
The New Zealand government's Safe Travel website has comprehensive travel information including advice on the safety and security of travel to Venezuela [external link].
Further enquiries may be directed to:
Consular Division
Tel: +64 4 439 8000
Fax: +64 4 439 8532
[1] Parque Nacional Los Médanos de Coro is located in the state of Falcón, Venezuela, near the city of Coro on the road that leads to Paraguaná. The National Park was created in 1974.
