Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, will lead a Parliamentary and business delegation to Latin America next week.
Minister Peters said the trip was a timely opportunity to strengthen New Zealand’s relationships in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.
“Our Latin American partners are important to us and this visit will raise our commercial profile in the region and create opportunities for New Zealand businesses. The delegation will promote New Zealand’s reputation as a provider of innovative, high-quality products and services and help create new commercial linkages. Latin American markets offer exciting potential for New Zealand exporters,” said Mr Peters.
The Minister will be accompanied by a business delegation as well as a group of MPs from across Parliament:
- Nicole McKee, Minister for Courts and Associate Minister of Justice;
- Tim van de Molen, Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee;
- Carmel Sepuloni, Deputy Leader of the Opposition; and
- Damien O’Connor, Opposition Trade Spokesperson.
The delegation will meet with senior government leaders and a range of parliamentary, business and education contacts.
On its return to New Zealand, the delegation will also undertake short programmes in Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and French Polynesia.
“The Pacific is central to New Zealand’s foreign policy approach. We are pleased to have visited all Pacific Islands Forum countries at least once during this Parliamentary term and are looking forward to returning to French Polynesia and to making connections in Rapa Nui,” Mr Peters said.
The delegation is due to depart on Sunday 1 March and return on Monday 9 March.
