The North News
New Delhi, November 6
India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday called for stronger trade and investment links between India and New Zealand, urging companies from both nations to work together in areas such as technology, agriculture, education, clean energy, and sustainability. Speaking at the India–New Zealand CEOs Roundtable in Rotorua, held alongside his New Zealand counterpart Todd McClay, Goyal said India’s economy is undergoing a rapid transformation, opening up fresh opportunities for global collaboration. “Many of the business leaders at the roundtable were of Indian origin, which reflects the shared cultural and economic connection between our nations,” he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Goyal’s visit coincides with the fourth round of India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, being held in Auckland from November 3 to 7. The discussions aim to create a balanced framework for enhancing bilateral trade.
At the India–New Zealand Business Forum, organised by the Auckland Business Chamber, Goyal participated in a fireside chat with Minister Todd McClay, moderated by Simon Bridges, CEO of the Chamber. He highlighted that the recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had given new momentum to the bilateral relationship.
Calling for “innovative avenues of cooperation,” Goyal said both countries have significant potential for partnership across maritime, forestry, sports, education, tourism, and technology sectors. He noted that this was the largest-ever Indian business delegation to visit New Zealand, reflecting India’s growing global confidence and the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
On the ongoing FTA talks, Goyal said both sides were negotiating with “mutual respect and a shared commitment” to achieve fair outcomes. He underlined that New Zealand could benefit from India’s large and expanding market, while India could draw on New Zealand’s technological and agricultural expertise to build mutually beneficial ties.
At a community event at Auckland’s Mahatma Gandhi Centre, attended by Prime Minister Luxon, Goyal thanked the New Zealand leader for his support of the growing India–New Zealand partnership. Speaking to the Indian diaspora, Goyal said: “Our Janmabhumi (land of birth) connects us to our roots, while our Karambhumi (land of work) allows us to serve and contribute.” He urged the community to carry India’s values with pride while contributing to New Zealand’s progress.
Goyal expressed optimism about creating more “Successful Kiwi–Bharat Stories”, celebrating shared values, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit. He said these common traits continue to bring India and New Zealand closer in pursuit of a future-oriented partnership.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised India’s economic rise, calling it “a global powerhouse” on its way to becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He described the Indian diaspora as “bridges” connecting the two nations and reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to a relationship based on mutual respect and shared prosperity.
Later, during an interaction titled “Tea with Indian Business Delegation,” Goyal met business leaders to discuss expanding cooperation in food processing, forestry, technology, and innovation. Participants commended India’s Production Linked Incentive Schemes and Startup India initiatives for fostering entrepreneurship and global expansion.
Concluding the visit, Goyal urged Indian entrepreneurs to stay focused and innovative, saying that it is “the spirit of enterprise that drives growth and strengthens partnerships.”Piyush Goyal pushes deeper India–New Zealand trade ties in Rotorua and Auckland meetings
