Its population is forecast to reach 625 million by 2015. The rapid yet relatively stable economic and political development of these countries has led to a high demand for advanced science and technology, and an increasing capacity to fund it. There is significant opportunity for New Zealand to collaborate with South America, principally in the agricultural technology, biotechnology, telecommunications, forestry and food processing sectors. The New Zealand Minister of Research, Science and Technology led a delegation, made up of four scientists and technologists and two senior MoRST officials, to Argentina Brazil and Chile in October 1998. The Prime Minister visited the region in March 2000 and in August 2000 launched a comprehensive strategy aimed at expanding New Zealand's economic, trade, and people to people linkages with the region.
Specific agreements exist between New Zealand and Latin American institutes.
Argentina New Zealand enjoys an amicable and cooperative relationship with Argentina. The bilateral relationship gained impetus with the opening of a New Zealand Embassy in Buenos Aires in 1998. A Science and Technology Cooperation Arrangement was signed between New Zealand and Argentina in October 1998. Brazil New Zealand and Brazil have a good relationship. Prime Minister Clark met with President Cardoso during her visit to Chile in March 2000.