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Mexico–New Zealand relations refers to diplomatic relations between Mexico and New Zealand. Both nations are members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations.
Contents
History
The earliest contact between Mexico and New Zealand may have occurred in the 16th or 17th century when Spanish ships carrying both Spanish and Mexican crew members between Acapulco, Mexico and Manila, Philippines sailed close to and may have shipwrecked in New Zealand. Official diplomatic relations between the two Pacific nations were established on 19 July 1973. New Zealand opened an embassy in Mexico City in 1983. For its part, Mexico at first conducted diplomatic relations with New Zealand from its embassy in Canberra, Australia and operated honorary consulates in Auckland and Wellington. On 30 December 1991, Mexico opened an embassy in Wellington.
Throughout the years, both nations have signed numerous bilateral agreements such as: Agreement on Mexican and New Zealand banks to share information (1992); Trade and investment agreement (1994); Air service agreement (1999); Scientific, research and technological cooperation agreement (2004); Double tax agreement (2006); Working holiday visa scheme (2007); Agricultural and forestry cooperation (2008); Cooperation in the field of renewable energy (2010). In 2012, New Zealand was granted observer status for the Pacific Alliance, a regional group that includes Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.
State visits
Presidential visits from Mexico to New Zealand
Prime Ministerial visits from New Zealand to Mexico
Trade
Mexico is New Zealand's biggest trading partner in Latin-America (and 24th overall) and is an important market for New Zealand milk based products. In 2015, two-way trade between both nations amounted to $454 million USD. New Zealand's exports to Mexico include: dairy products, meat and agricultural machinery. Mexico's exports to New Zealand are mainly manufactured and industrial products. New Zealand is Mexico's 49th biggest trading partner. Since 2012, Mexico, New Zealand and eight other countries have been negotiating what is to be known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. The trade negotiations were completed in February 2016 and has yet to enter into force.