Plan to follow up Mexican mission

Press, 23 October 1980, Page 8

Plan to follow up Mexican mission

NZPA' Wellington Members of New Zealand’s recent trade mission to Mexico would meet in Wellington early next month to discuss‘ .followup moves, said the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon), The main matters for, consideration at the meet< ing will be the preparation of a mission report for publication and the establishment of a Mexico-New Zealand Businessmen’s Association, he said in a Statement. Mr Muldoon said the mission that accompanied him to Mexico had laid the foundation for considerable development in economic relations between the two countries. He said he had just received a report from the secretary of Trade and Industry (Mr J. W. H. Clarke) who took over leadership of the mission after the Prime Minister left Mexico City, Mr Muldoon said his talks with President Lopez Portillo, senior ministers and the heads of the key state trading organisations showed there was keen interest on the Mexican side in getting access to New Zealand’s technology, as well as in buying dairy products. “Members of the economic mission followed up on my talks by exploring the possibilities in detail with the authorities concerned in Mexico,” he said. “The businessmen believed there were excellent market prospects for our farm-based exports and also opportunities for economic co-operation _ in ®jfirg3s petrochemical

technology and agricultural and forestry consultancy." Mr Muldoon said the New Zealand Dairy Board had signed a letter of intent for the long term supply of milk powders and anhydrous milk fat. 0 Discussions had also now been held on the feasibility of establishing a joint venture company, based in Mexico, to produce evaporated milk using New Zealand milk powders. There were market prospects for Increased sales of wool, chilled beef, pasture seeds and livestock. The Wool Board was planning to send technical experts to Mexico to discuss future market development Outside commodity

trade, there was a strong wish on both sides to develop consultancy services and an interchange of technology, “The Mexicans are well aware of our expertise in pastoral farming and forestry and are keen to learn from our experience,” said Mr Muldoon. He said detailed discussions were also held with the Mexican Businessmen’s Council for international affairs and between representatives of the Mexican and New Zealand Chambers of Commerce. The result was a decision to investigate the possßrility of establishing a joint committee charged with suggesting ways of increasing bilateral trade.