Brasília, 3/2/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Phil Goff, met with Brazilian minister of Foreign Relations, Celso Amorim, yesterday. Their conversation focused on negotiations at the World Trade Organization. Brazil and New Zealand are members of the Cairn Group of 19 countries that export farm produce. The ministers seek compensation for the agricultural sector, free trade for farm produce and an end to trade practices that distort markets.

The positions of the Cairns Group and the G-20 are close with regard to the need to get trade talks moving again after the refusal of industrialized nations to eliminate subsidies and open their markets.

The ministers also discussed United Nations reform, disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, as well as cooperation in biotechnology, reforestation and meats and dairy products.

In 2003 Brazil had a trade surplus of almost US$15 million with New Zealand (exports of US$36 million and imports of US$22 million). Fully 50% of New Zealand exports to Brazil are dairy products. Nestle of Brazil and New Zealand's main dairy conglomerate, Fonterra, set up a joint venture in 2002. (AB)