Welcomed to the Waikato by Opportunity Hamilton, the economic development agency of the city, the Argentine commercial and technical trade mission of farm machinery industry members were in New Zealand last week to gauge interest from New Zealand companies in import, distribution and sales of agricultural machinery and technology; forming joint ventures with service providers (repairs, parts and servicing contracts); and looking at NZ technology and innovation companies who are seeking export opportunities in Argentina.

In welcoming the trade mission members Mavora Hamilton, Chair of Opportunity Hamilton compared the importance of the agricultural industries to the economies in both New Zealand and Argentina and the similarities between farming practices with Argentina’s beef and dairy being predominantly grass-fed as in New Zealand.

The agriculture industries growing interest in animal breeding and genetics were also strong links for both countries she said.

Argentine Minister of Industry, Her Excellency Debora Giorgi said the global financial crisis had not hit Argentina as hard as other countries.

“Exports, which have shown growth since 2002, are expected to continue to grow,” she said.

New Zealand companies such as Fonterra, Sealord, PGG Wrighston and Bomac currently all have investments in Argentina.

“Argentina has become a very attractive destination for global investors.”

Representatives from a mixture of both long-established and newer machinery manufacturers who produce a range of products from grain and fertilizer carts, sprayers and seeders through to feed trailers, hoppers and grain dryers, attended the event as well as a number of Waikato-based agricultural companies.