MEDIA STATEMENT

8 April 2011

Parliamentarians bound for Mexico and Panama to build international links for New Zealand

A New Zealand parliamentary delegation led by Hon Pete Hodgson will meet with Mexican parliamentarians in Mexico City, prior to their attendance at the 124th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Panama City, Panama, the Speaker, Dr The Rt Hon Lockwood Smith, has announced.

Hon Pete Hodgson, will be accompanied by Su’a William Sio.

During the bilateral visit with the Mexican Parliament, the delegation will meet with their parliamentary colleagues to discuss issues of mutual interest, including Customs issues and practices, New Zealand business interests in Mexico, and both countries’ roles in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Mexico is an important friend of New Zealand", Dr Smith said. "Since the early 1970s, Mexico has consistently been our key export market in Latin America while growing in significance as a destination for New Zealand investment." Over the past 5 years, New Zealand exports to Mexico have averaged around $444 million per year.

As well as trade, New Zealand and Mexico are bound by ties of cooperation in international negotiations and organisations, particularly in the areas of disarmament and climate change.

"While relations between the two countries are healthy, there is scope to expand them further through high-level visits. Particular opportunities include encouraging closer trade and economic links and sharing knowledge around best practice," said Dr Smith.

The delegation will visit Mexico City from 11–13 April, before travelling to Panama to represent the New Zealand Parliament at the IPU Assembly, which concludes on Wednesday 20 April.

“The IPU Assembly is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and representation from our Parliament is important for New Zealand’s participation in ongoing work for peace and cooperation,” said Dr Smith.

ENDS

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