A group of twelve senior Mexican parliamentarians visited Auckland and undertook a two-day bilateral programme from 24 - 26 January following their attendance at the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum.
The Mexican delegation was headed by the President of the Senate External Relations - Asia Pacific Committee, Senator Carlos Jiménez Macías, and included senior members of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies from four parties covering a range of Committees, including Asia Pacific, Foreign Affairs and Agriculture and Livestock.
Hon Jim Anderton, Minister of Agriculture, met with the delegation to discuss the bilateral relationship, focusing on the advantages an FTA plus would bring to deepening the trade and economic relationship. Members of the delegation agreed that there was a lot to be gained from improving conditions for business and strengthening cooperation.
While in Auckland the delegation attended a business roundtable on New Zealand-Mexico trade hosted by the Latin America New Zealand Business Council (LANZBC). This was followed by site visits to centres of New Zealand agritechnology expertise. The delegation also toured a working winery and the Arataki Visitor’s Centre.
The visit marks the beginning of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of New Zealand’s Embassy in Mexico. A working holiday scheme -Mexico’s first such arrangement- will come into effect on 31 March 2008, enabling young New Zealanders and Mexicans to experience each others’ countries and cultures.
For further information contact David Treacher, Americas Division (david.treacher@mfat.govt.nz; 04 439 8119).
