New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will be looking for major trade breakthroughs when he leads a delegation on a 10-day tour of major Latin American nations next week.

The delegation will visit Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Brazil as part of the New Zealand government's push to strengthen relations and capitalize on trade opportunities with Latin America.

"Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Brazil are countries where New Zealand's skills and expertise in areas like agri-business, renewable energy and education are a natural fit. They are also markets which present valuable opportunities for New Zealand businesses looking to export their services and expand their operations," Key said in a statement.

Combined GDP for the four countries -- estimated at 4 trillion U.S. dollar -- was forecast to grow at more than 4 percent for the next few years and they had a combined population of 372 million.

"The four countries, like New Zealand, are big producers of the food the rest of the world wants, particularly beef and dairy products. There is a lot of scope for greater collaboration between our countries as we focus on meeting the global demand for reliable, efficiently produced food and beverages," he said.

Key would be the first foreign leader to be hosted by the new Mexican President Enrique Pe?a Nieto and the first New Zealand Prime Minister to make an official visit to Colombia.

He would also hold bilateral talks with President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos Caldern; Chilean President Sebastin Pi?era; and President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff.

Talks with the Mexican and Chilean leaders would also cover the ongoing Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement negotiations, which leaders were aiming to conclude by October.

"Like New Zealand, Colombia is a strong advocate for trade liberalization and I am looking forward to discussing with President Santos ways our countries can cooperate in this area, both bilaterally and through forums like the World Trade Organization," he said.

Brazil was an emerging global economic power, where more New Zealand firms should seek opportunities.

"Our trade with Brazil is modest, but there is a lot of room for both countries to do more, particularly in agricultural collaboration and specialized manufacturing," he said.

"New Zealand is also well-placed to be a hub for Brazilian businesses branching out to the Asia-Pacific, and we have the credentials to attract greater numbers of young Brazilians wanting a world-recognised tertiary education."

Key would depart on March 4, accompanied by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy, and would return to New Zealand on March 14.