Hon David Parker
Minister for Trade and Export Growth
1 March 2019 PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker heads to Mexico this weekend for a series of meetings aimed at
strengthening trade links with the Latin American nation.
A focus of the visit is to promote new trade opportunities that have opened up with the entry into force of the
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), New Zealand’s first free trade agreement
with Mexico.
“As a G20 member and major economy, Mexico is a key partner for New Zealand. I look forward to discussing how New
Zealand and Mexico can work together on an inclusive approach to international trade, and where we can deepen our
bilateral cooperation, including in agriculture and rural development,” David Parker said.
Mexico is our largest goods trading partner in Latin America and 21st-largest export market. Main exports to Mexico are
dairy products, meat, agricultural machinery and energy machinery.
Two-way trade with Mexico has been increasing steadily since 2014, and for the year ended June 2018 stood at $839
million.
“This visit will be an opportunity to consolidate New Zealand’s relationships with the new Mexican administration and to
explore new commercial opportunities under the CPTPP in areas such as high-quality food and beverage products,” David
Parker said.
He will visit Mexico City and Guadalajara where he will meet senior political representatives, civil society, media, and
business representatives.
Background
As a result of the CPTPP all tariffs on New Zealand exports into Mexico will be eliminated over time, with the exception
of some dairy products where duty-free access will still be achieved under quotas. The CPTPP will also make it easier
for New Zealand business to bid for government contracts in Mexico, as well as opening new opportunities in services
such as education and enhancing visa access for professionals.
One of New Zealand’s largest tech companies, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, has a large and expanding manufacturing operation in Tijuana, Mexico.
Meanwhile the $881.5 million Finaccess Capital bid for a majority stake in Restaurant Brands is an indication of new
Mexican investment interest in New Zealand.
ends