KEY POINTS:
Mexico says its developing economic relationship with New Zealand will help boost its profile in the Asia-Pacific region and Mexico take on a greater global role.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon Hinojosa made the comments at a news conference with Prime Minister Helen Clark to announce a new reciprocal working holiday scheme agreed to between the countries after a meeting at Government House in Auckland today.
The visit is the first by a Mexican head of state.
Mexico is the world's fourth-largest importer of dairy products, but is ranked only 18th as a destination for New Zealand exports.
Mr Calderon, speaking through an interpreter, said there were "enormous possibilities" between the two countries and was convinced there were great opportunities for trade.
Mexico and New Zealand had complimentary economies and it was important for the countries to work on their economic relationship, he said.
"We are interested in our country to work together on our economic relationship and continued dialogue."
New Zealand could also act as a bridge to bring understanding of Mexico to the Asia-Pacific region while Mexico promoted its relationship with New Zealand at home, he said.
"We want Mexico to be transformed into a country that is logistical and multilateral in the region and become a country which is active and has a participating role in global decisions."
Miss Clark said she had a "great love for Mexico and a strong belief they can have better and more comprehensive relations" between the two countries.
Miss Clark said while the countries had two very different economies they had complimentary products.
Mexico had a heavy export dependency on America and needed to diversify, a situation which could benefit New Zealand, she said.
"We need to know Mexico better."
The working holiday programme will allow 200 18-30-year-olds to visit and work in either country for a year.
"It will enable both New Zealand and Mexican young people to experience each other's countries and cultures," Miss Clark said.
"Mexico is one of the key countries under the Government's Latin America strategy and this scheme recognises the importance of developing a relationship that helps to increase contact and understanding."
New Zealand has similar schemes with other Latin American nations, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile.
Miss Clark said the popularity of those schemes had seen places increased to 1000 for Chile and Argentina. There are 100 places for Uruguay.
Participants from Mexico would find plenty of opportunity for work in New Zealand which had virtually zero unemployment, she said.
- NZPA
