Monday, 24 March 2014 09:04

Trade delegation in Chile, Colombia

Written by 

TRADE MINISTER Tim Groser and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy are leading an agribusiness delegation to Chile and Colombia.

"Latin America is a valued trading partner for New Zealand and a fast growing region," says Groser.
"Our relationship with Chile is thriving with a high level of engagement in areas such as energy and environment, agriculture and education. They are encouraging New Zealand business to explore future investment opportunities and we hope to build on this.

"In Colombia we are aiming to build a greater understanding of the market, through a range of farm visits and meetings with local ministers and authorities."

The overall visit, which began yesterday and ends on March 28, will be centred on a Field Days event in southern Chile, where more than 40 New Zealand brands will be demonstrating their products to farmers, buyers and distributors in a dedicated New Zealand farm technology promotion.

"New Zealand is a significant investor in Chile's agricultural sector, having invested $630 million since 2007. We believe this relationship will continue to strengthen over time," says Guy.

"This is my third visit to the region in the last 12 months, including a successful visit with the Prime Minister last year. This is recognition of the importance New Zealand places on Latin America.

"We are well placed as a leader in agribusiness to provide a full range of expertise, products and services.
"There is a large amount of productive agricultural land in Colombia, and a real interest from New Zealand businesses in investing in Colombia. A major focus for us will be working toward greater collaboration in growing their agricultural sector.

"In October last year I was proud to welcome 170 farmers from Colombia who visited New Zealand on a study tour, getting first-hand insight into New Zealand's pastoral farming systems and agritechnology."

More like this

Editorial: Elusive India FTA

OPINION: Without doubt, a priority of the Government this year will be to gain traction on the elusive free trade deal with India.

Tariff risk

OPINION: Some commentators across the ditch reckon the second Trump administration's anticipated trade protectionism, coupled with China's economic fragility, poses a significant risk for Australia's agricultural export industries.

UAE trade deal - a game changer

OPINION: In a landmark move that could reshape New Zealand’s agricultural export landscape, the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates opens up unprecedented opportunities for our farming and dairy sectors.

UAE FTA signed

New Zealand’s free trade deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now been signed.

Featured

‘Nanobubble’ trial trims irrigation water usage

North Canterbury dairy farmer and recently-elected deputy chair of DairyNZ, Cameron Henderson, is enjoying a huge reduction in irrigation water use after converting a pivot irrigator to drag perforated drip tubes across the ground instead of elevated sprinkler heads.

Editorial: Elusive India FTA

OPINION: Without doubt, a priority of the Government this year will be to gain traction on the elusive free trade deal with India.

Sport star to talk at expo

Rugby league legend Tawera Nikau is set to inspire, celebrate and entertain at the East Coast Farming Expo's very popular Property Broker's Evening Muster.

National

Sweet or sour deal?

Not all stakeholders involved in the proposed merger of honey industry groups - ApiNZ and Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association…

Machinery & Products

Loosening soil without fuss

Distributed in New Zealand by Carrfields, Grange Farm Machinery is based in the Holderness region of East Yorkshire – an…

JCB unveils new models

The first of the UK’s agricultural trade shows was recently held at the NEC Centre in Birmingham.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Times have changed

OPINION: Back in the 1960s and '70s, and even into the '80s, successive National government Agriculture Ministers and Trade Ministers…

Hallelujah moment

OPINION: The new Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche has just had the hallelujah moment of the 21st century in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter