INZBC welcomes NZ Govt’s India report

The India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) has welcomed the recommendations in the Parliament’s Select Committee Report on New Zealand’s relationship with India.

INZBC Chairman Mr Wenceslaus Anthony said, “the Committee recognised the importance of New Zealand’s growing relationship with India [India is now New Zealand’s 7th largest trade partner] and the benefits that at an FTA, now under negotiation, will bring to our two economies.”

In addition he noted that the Committee “had accepted many of the Council’s recommendations from its submission to the Committee that will enhance and improve New Zealand’s relationship with India.”

The recommendations are the result of an inquiry into New Zealand’s relationship with India initiated by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee on May 19 this year. The committee set out with the following terms of reference:
• Consider trade, tourism, and opportunities including investment.
• Examine strategic opportunities for both New Zealand and India resulting from new opportunities for engagement particularly flowing from technological innovation.
• Determine any untapped opportunities for growing the relationship in the areas of science, medicine, defence, education, and culture.

The committee has come up with the following recommendations to the New Zealand government:
Political and diplomatic relations

That New Zealand representation in India be reviewed in the event of the successful conclusion of a free trade agreement, including consideration of the appointment of honorary consuls outside of New Delhi and Mumbai, in addition to the one in Chennai.

Trade and investment

That the Government investigate mechanisms, beyond the Beachheads programme, for providing India-specific capability programmes for businesses wanting to do business in India.
That the Government work with the private sector to decide upon states or cities in India for a New Zealand focus, and develop strategies to concentrate New Zealand’s efforts on those places.

Export education

That the Government instruct Education New Zealand to consider increasing its presence in India through education fairs or similar exercises.

Mindful of New Zealand’s need for scientists and engineers, that the Government consider lifting the immigration qualifications applying to the migration market.

That the Government instruct Immigration New Zealand to review its decision not to process student visas during the Christmas–New Year period.

Tourism

That the Government actively grasp opportunities presented by co-hosting the 2015 Cricket World Cup with Australia.

Immigration

That the Government review visa provisions for Indian nationals with a view to the facilitation of travel to New Zealand, particularly for bona fide business and tourist visa applicants.

Sectors with potential for further engagement

That the Government assist the New Zealand business community in pursuing opportunities for trade with India in ICT, creative industries, aviation, engineering, science and innovation.

That the Government consider the need for more approved medical examiners to be appointed, and if a case exists amend the legislative framework to allow recognition of medical clearances from other equivalent jurisdictions. The objective should be to facilitate the recruitment of more flight training students from India.

The Select Committee comprised John Hayes (Chairman), Jacqui Dean, Hon Pete Hodgson, Dr Paul Hutchison, Iain Lees-Galloway, Keith Locke, Todd McClay and Hon Maryan Street.

Some 24 individuals and parties submitted comments, suggestions and recommendations to the committee.