The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Relationship with New Zealand

New Zealand has had diplomatic relations with Venezuela since 1980. The bilateral relationship between New Zealand and Venezuela is based largely on trade, particularly in dairy products. In the year to December 2008, New Zealand exported NZ$653.8 million worth of goods to Venezuela, of which NZ$646.3 million were in the dairy sector, making it New Zealand’s third largest dairy market in the world for the period.

Political links

Multilateral links

New Zealand and Venezuela are both members of the UN, WTO and FEALAC (Forum for East Asia – Latin America Cooperation) and work together in these fora on issues of mutual interest.

Development assistance

Venezuela is eligible for assistance under a modest fund operated by the New Zealand Embassy in Mexico City. The Head of Mission Fund, as it is known, is available to assist small non-government organisations and community group development projects in Venezuela.

See full details of the development relationship on the NZAID website.

Visits

New Zealand’s Minister of Agriculture, Hon John Luxton, visited Venezuela in late 1999.

Key facts

Geography/Demographics

Official name – The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Land Area – 912,050 sq km

Population – 27.7 million (2008 estimate)

Capital City – Caracas

Religion – Catholic

Official language – Spanish

Currency – Bolivar

Exchange Rate – 2.15 Bolivares = US$1 (fixed from February 2008)

Political

Political system – Presidential; Universal adult suffrage

National government – Council of Ministers appointed by President

National legislature – 167 member unicameral National Assembly

Last election – Presidential – December 2006; legislative – December 2005

Next election due – Presidential – December 2012; legislative – December 2010

Head of State – President Hugo Chávez Frías

Head of Government – President Hugo Chávez Frías

 

Key Ministers

Foreign Affairs: Nicolás Maduro

Light Industry and Trade: William Antonio Contreras

 

Main political parties

Movement of the Fifth Republic (MVR).

The United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) was created to unite the MVR with other pro-Chávez parties, but some parties will remain outside the grouping.

Opposition parties include:

Democratic Action (AD)

Socialism Movement (MAS)

First Justice (PJ)

Economic

Nominal GDP – US$320.2billion
GDP Per Capita – US$11.5 billion
Real GDP Growth – 4.8%
Exports FOB – US$93.5 billion
Imports – US$48.1 billion
Main export – Oil
Consumer price inflation (average) – 30.4%
Gross external debt – US$47.3 billion (estimate)
Current account – US$39.2 billion surplus

Source: Economist Intelligence Unit (2008 figures)

Trade with New Zealand

NZ Exports	NZ$653.8 million
Main Exports	Milk and cream, concentrated (93%), Cheese (2%), Whey and products (1%)
NZ Imports	NZ$501,000
Main Imports	Animal products for pharmaceutical preparations (62%), Yachts and other vessels (27%)

Source:  Statistics New Zealand (year to December 2008)top of page

Embassies

The New Zealand Embassy in Mexico City is also responsible for Venezuela.

The Venezuelan Embassy in Canberra is also responsible for New Zealand.

Travel advice

The New Zealand government's Safe Travel website has comprehensive travel information including advice on the safety and security of travel to Venezuela.

 

Further enquiries may be directed to:

Consular Division

Tel: +64 4 439 8000

Fax: +64 4 439 8532

cons@mfat.govt.nz

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