Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has arrived in New Zealand, where he was welcomed by Minister for Trade Todd McClay and India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ms. Neeta Bhushan. Goyal is on an official visit to advance negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations.
Accompanied by a high-level business delegation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Goyal’s visit marks growing momentum in the India–New Zealand trade relationship. The recently launched FTA framework aims to deepen cooperation and open new avenues for trade and investment.
Also Read: Explainer: What Does An FTA With India Mean For Kiwi Indians?
During his stay, Goyal will hold bilateral meetings with New Zealand officials and will be hosted by Trade Minister Todd McClay. In addition to official discussions, he is expected to address a business forum and attend two community events — one in Auckland and another in Rotorua.
The Rotorua engagement holds particular significance, symbolising the strengthening of economic and community ties between India and New Zealand. Officials say the visit reflects New Zealand’s ambition to use the FTA as a catalyst to enhance trade, investment, and people-to-people connections.
Both the Auckland Business Chamber and the High Commission of India have announced the visit on their social media channels.
Negotiations for the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement were officially launched earlier this year, following a bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The decision to begin formal FTA talks was reached during a meeting between Minister Goyal and Trade Minister McClay in March 2025. Several rounds of discussions have been held since.
Detailed analysis and updates on the visit and its implications for New Zealand businesses will be available on The Indian Weekender website and WhatsApp channel in the coming days.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment