Embargoed for release until after 11.30am 16 March 2007
Media Release
16 March 2007

Honorary Consul Appointment announced….

The Government of Mongolia today officially opened an Honorary Consulate in Wellington and announced the appointment of Wellington businessman, Peter Allport as Honorary Consul of Mongolia in New Zealand.

The official opening ceremony took place at the InterContinental Hotel, Wellington. The ceremony was witnessed on Mongolian side by His Excellency Mr. Tsendiin Nyamdorj, the Speaker of the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia currently paying an official visit to New Zealand and Dr. Galsan Batsukh, Ambassador of Mongolia to New Zealand and on New Zealand side by member of the Wellington based Diplomatic Corp, political and business dignitaries and media as well as a number of Mongolian citizens currently living in Wellington

Ambassador Galsan Batsukh said “…Mongolia has been looking for some time for a suitable representative in New Zealand. Mr Allport understands Mongolia and is well known in Mongolia in both business and government circles. Mr. Peter Allport will bear the duty to protect the legitimate interests of Mongolian nationals in New Zealand and promote cooperation in trade, economy, science, technology and tourism between the two countries”

Mr Allport has business interests in Mongolia and has been a regular visitor since 1992.

Throughout the 90’s he was involved in projects assisting the restructuring of sectors of the Mongolian economy and in the privatisation of State assets so necessary in the transition from a command economy to a modern market economy.

More latterly, Mr Allport has become involved in the private business sector and is on the Boards of one of Mongolia’s most successful investment companies and of Mongolia’s newest domestic airline. He currently visits Mongolia at least four times a year.

Mr Allport is also well known in the New Zealand business community as a professional company director. Some of his past appointments have included the Chair of the Commerce Commission, Chair of Tourism New Zealand and he was one of the founding partners of the venture capital fund No 8 Ventures. His current appointments include Chair of the internationally affiliated executive search company Bell McCaw Bampfylde, Chair of Magritek Ltd, CEO of the premium wine company Ata Rangi Ltd and a Director of Vehicle Testing Group Ltd.

Mr Allport said he was delighted to accept the position of Honorary Consul.

“I have had a strong interest in Mongolia and its people for many years and I am honored to be the country’s representative in New Zealand.

“This role will include the issuance of visitor visas to Mongolia and I will also be actively promoting tourism, business and cultural activities and exchanges between the two countries”.

Consular business will be conducted from 86 Kings Crescent, Lower Hutt between the hours of 10am and 2pm, Monday to Wednesday.

ENDS

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