Latin America

• Information papers
• News
• Latin America strategy
• Embassies
• Travel advice

Latin America, stretching from the Antarctic regions of Chile in the south to Mexico in the north, is an increasingly important and dynamic part of the world. Its population is expected to reach 625 million people by 2015, its politics are increasingly democratic, and it looks set to develop into an economic powerhouse. New Zealand has well-established ties to a number of Latin American countries but there is potential to develop much broader links in the future.

Information papers

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade produces and maintains information papers for certain countries and territories throughout the world. The papers countain information on the bilateral relationship and also general information on the country or territory as well as links to related information on other government websites.

News

• Brazil Business Forum

• Minister of Agriculture David Carter visits South America
  Agriculture and Forestry Minister David Carter visited Latin America from 17-27 October 2009, involving bilateral programmes in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil.

• Brazil: a land of opportunities
  Brazil is one of the world’s emerging economic superpowers. Amongst the world’s ten largest economies, it is growing in influence and presenting diverse opportunities, including for New Zealand businesses.
  
  
• Visit by Brazilian economist
  
  
• Mexican Scholarships for New Zealand students
  The Mexican Government is inviting applications for scholarships for postgraduate study in Mexico. Four scholarships are available for New Zealand students to study in Mexico in 2010.
  
  
• Maximising opportunities for New Zealand in Latin America
  During the week of 9 February 2009 New Zealand’s four Ambassadors to Latin America (based in Argentina, Brazil, Chile & Mexico) held four days of meetings to discuss ways to maximise business opportunities in the Latin America region.

• Mexico meat trade issues
  Various New Zealand meat shipments destined for Mexico have recently been detained at Mexican ports and ultimately rejected because of errors in the labelling and/certification.

• Governor of Mexican State of Jalisco visits New Zealand [external link]
  The Governor of the State of Jalisco, Mr Emilio González, visited New Zealand from 6-9 October 2008 accompanied by a large public and private sector delegation. During his visit, the Governor met with the Minister of Agriculture, Hon Jim Anderton. They signed an Arrangement on Agricultural Cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the State of Jalisco.

• The Totorore Voyage by Gerry Clark - Launch of Spanish edition in Chile
  The adventures of New Zealander Gerry Clark was introduced to a new audience on 6 October 2008 with the release of a Spanish version of his book ''The Totorore Voyage'' in Chile.

• New Zealand and Latin American Cultural Interaction
  An address by Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs & Trade Michael Green was given at Victoria University Institute for Links with Latin America (VILLA) at the Seminar on “Changing Cultures in Latin America”.

• New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir visits South America
  With support from the Latin America Strategy Fund, the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir visited Rio di Janeiro, Brazil and Buenos Aires, Argentina from 3 - 15 July, 2008 to attend the international youth choral music festival, Melodia 2008.

• Brazilian Foreign Minister visits New Zealand
  Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Celso Amorim visited New Zealand 28 & 29 August 2008. During his time in Auckland, Mr Amorim met Prime Minister Helen Clark, Foreign Minister Peters, and Trade Minister Phil Goff to discuss areas of common interest, including world trade negotiations and the environment.

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Latin America strategy

New Zealand has well-established links to a number of Latin American countries, particularly trading links. New Zealand also cooperates with Latin American countries in a range of international organisations, including the United Nations, APEC, FEALAC, and the WTO.

There is potential to develop much broader links between New Zealand and Latin America in the future. Recognising this potential, the New Zealand government, in 2000, launched a plan designed to develop New Zealand's relationship with Latin America. Read more on the Latin America Strategy.

Embassies

New Zealand Embassies in Latin America

• New Zealand Embassy in Argentina (also responsible for Paraguay and Uruguay)
• New Zealand Embassy in Brazil
• New Zealand Embassy in Chile (also responsible for Colombia and Peru)
• New Zealand Embassy in Mexico (also responsible for Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala and Venezuela)
• New Zealand High Commission in Canada (also responsible for Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica)
  

Latin American Embassies in Wellington

• Argentine Embassy in Wellington [external link]
• Brazilian Embassy in Wellington [external link]
• Chilean Embassy in Wellington [external link]
• Cuban Embassy in Wellington
• Mexican Embassy in Wellinton [external link]
• Peruvian Embassy in Wellington [external link]

Travel advice

• The Safe Travel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Central/South America [external link].

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