Chamber welcomes embassy in Colombia

Wellington Chamber of Commerce

Media Statement
Tuesday 15th September 2015

Chamber welcomes embassy in Colombia

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce welcomes the announcement of a New Zealand embassy in Colombia, South America.

Chief Executive John Milford says the move is likely to open the way for new trade opportunities for exporters.

“Colombia is the second most populous country in South America, and has one of that continent’s strongest performing economies, so it’s important New Zealand is represented there.

“It will also give the likes of our agriculture industries and agencies which are already in the region, such as NZTE and Education NZ, a great base to further their links with the region.”

Chamber President Peter Cullen, who travelled to Colombia in 2013 with a business delegation led by Prime Minister John Key, said that market offered many business opportunities.

“Attracting students to New Zealand educational institutions, agribusiness assisting the Colombian agriculture sector, and tourists travelling to and from Colombia are obvious examples.

“There is work much work to be done, and having an embassy there will greatly assist that work.”

Mr Cullen is Honorary Consul for Colombia in New Zealand and says it is a smart strategic decision and “very much in New Zealand’s best interests”.

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