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WELLINGTON, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Trade ministers of New Zealand and Mexico will this week hold their first talks since United States President Donald Trump withdrew his country from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay left for Mexico Tuesday to discuss the future of trade between the two countries with Mexican counterpart Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo.
Both countries are members of the TPP, a 12-nation trade pact signed in New Zealand last year, which has 11 members and an uncertain future after the U.S. withdrawal.
McClay said on Tuesday that New Zealand would be looking for more involvement with the Pacific Alliance, a Latin American economic integration bloc comprising Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.
"It is timely that we sit down and discuss how to move our trading relationship forward. I expect our discussion to include next steps for TPP, bilateral trade opportunities and greater involvement with the Pacific Alliance," McClay said in a statement.
"Mexico is already our largest trading partner in Latin America, and there is huge scope to further advance our economies, boosting trade and investment, and working together more closely in the Asia-Pacific region," he said.
"Trade liberalization and fair access to markets are essential for the continued growth and stability of our economy. The government will continue to push for better access for New Zealanders and our exporters in all parts of the world."
