India and New Zealand Make Progress on Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal

New Delhi:

India and New Zealand are actively working towards an early conclusion of a comprehensive and mutually advantageous trade agreement that aligns with their growing strategic and economic partnership, as stated by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday following his visit to New Zealand.

The Union Minister visited the island nation this week to participate in the fourth round of free-trade agreement (FTA) negotiations.

"Concluded my fruitful visit to New Zealand with a meeting with my friend & counterpart, Todd McClay," Goyal shared in a post on his X platform.

"The 4th Round of India-New Zealand FTA negotiations was focused on goods market access, services, economic & technical cooperation, and investment opportunities," he further elaborated.

During his visit, the minister engaged with business leaders from both countries, which helped strengthen the people-to-people connections between India and New Zealand.

"During my visit, I also held meetings with business leaders from both India & New Zealand and engaged in multiple events, reflecting the strong people-to-people & cultural ties between our nations," he mentioned.

Previously, Goyal had indicated that the negotiating teams from both nations were working toward creating a future-ready and balanced trade pact that respects sensitivities while deepening economic ties, creating new avenues for collaboration, and unlocking fresh opportunities for businesses and consumers on both sides.

The minister reviewed the ongoing India–New Zealand FTA negotiations with his New Zealand counterpart, Todd McClay, and chief negotiators from both countries.

During his trip, he addressed the India-New Zealand CEOs Roundtable alongside McClay in Rotorua, the latter's hometown located on New Zealand's North Island.

"Glad to know many of the business leaders at the Roundtable were of Indian origin. Encouraged New Zealand companies to engage more closely with the Indian industry in this shared journey, one that promises mutual benefit and long-term value for both sides," Goyal remarked.

He also highlighted India's rapidly evolving economic landscape and discussed how greater collaboration in areas such as technology, agriculture, education, clean energy, and sustainability could create new growth opportunities.

"Thank you, my friend Todd McClay, for warmly hosting me in your beautiful hometown of Rotorua. Together, we are gearing up to take India-New Zealand ties to the next level," Goyal posted on X.