NZ to appoint Consul-General to Sao Paolo

New Zealand is to appoint a Consul-General to Sao Paolo early next year to increase its diplomatic presence in Brazil, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced today.

"The appointment will help to enhance important political, economic, and trade links between our two countries," said Mr Peters, who made the announcement during a meeting with Brazil's Foreign Minister, Celso Amorim, Auckland this evening.

"Brazil is an emerging economic and political superpower, and Sao Paulo is the economic and financial centre of Brazil.

"Expanding our diplomatic presence in Sao Paulo will help New Zealand promote its interests in Brazil, complementing the work of our Embassy in Brasilia.

"We are seeking to boost our relationship with Brazil, and during discussions with Mr Amorim, it was agreed that our foreign ministries should meet more frequently to discuss common perspectives.

"This reflects Brazil's importance as a global player on many issues of importance to New Zealand, such as in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), where Brazil is a valued ally on agricultural trade, and also on international environmental issues.

"At the same time, New Zealand business interests are growing in Brazil, particularly in the agribusiness, tourism, education, and telecommunications services sectors," said Mr Peters.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has staffed an office in Sao Paulo since 1999, while the New Zealand's Embassy in Brazilia opened in 2001.

ENDS

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