New Zealand and India begin trade negotiations.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced the launch of Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement talks in New Delhi today. The negotiations aim to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, with Mr McClay meeting his Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal to discuss the agreement.
The move is a major breakthrough in the economic relationship between India and New Zealand, with the potential for significant growth in exports. Currently, one in four Kiwi jobs relies on trade, and last year's export revenue added $100 billion to the economy.
New Zealand aims to double its exports by value over the next ten years, with India holding a key role in achieving this goal. Alongside trade agreement negotiations, the Government will continue to invest in stronger connections across all pillars of the relationship, including politics, defence, sports, and people-to-people exchanges.
Negotiations are set to start next month, marking an important step forward in New Zealand's economic ties with India.