While Mexico may be on the other side of the world, this will not impede an Australian push to win access to Mexico's oil and gas industry.

Australia's Trade Minister, Mark Vaille, today led an Australian delegation made up of senior executives from some of the nation's leading energy companies to meet with Mexican officials, and to explore for opportunities in local gas development and potential liquefied natural gas importation.

According to Mexican government statistics, the country will require capital investment in gas production of about $US9 billion a year until 2010 compared with present investment levels of about $US4.8 billion, if it is to meet internal requirements and avoid gas imports.

The Trade Minister said Australian companies and expertise were ideally placed to help meet Mexico's future demand. "Our meeting today was a unique opportunity to showcase Australian energy sector expertise to the Mexican authorities at the highest level," Mr Vaille said.

He added that Mexico expressed interest in Australia's expertise in renewable energy, particularly in areas of hydro-electricity and wind and solar-power technology.

The Prime Minister John Howard is scheduled to visit Mexico this year.