Thapar wants to forge closer community ties
India’s new High Commissioner to New Zealand is sure to make his presence felt during his term in the country.
Ravi Thapar, 54, arrived in the country last weekend and immediately signalled his keenness to strengthen relationships – not just economic and trade ties with New Zealand but also with the local Indian community.
While Mr Thapar is looking at a better market presence for Indian companies in New Zealand, closer interaction with members of the community is a priority as well.
Mr Thapar, who has been in the Indian Foreign Service since 1983, wants to work closely with the Indian organisations in New Zealand to be able to tackle issues which affect students and people of Indian origin in general.
“We’d like to be open and keep track of this subject,” Mr Thapar told the Indian Weekender in Auckland on Sunday.
“We would do the best possible to help.
“This is where Indian organisations here can help, to dynamise themselves, we’d like to work with the associations on these issues. They can do the basic filtration, and identify issues in a tangible manner,” Mr Thapar said.
“More filtration is important, not just cultural issues, and if need be, things can also be brought up with the New Zealand government.”
On the Free Trade Agreement negotiations underway between New Zealand and India since 2010, Mr Thapar said all FTAs required through ironing out of issues and an “understanding of nuances”.
“We would not like to be guided by any particular model New Zealand may have with other countries,” Mr Thapar said.
“The FTA must be country specific, both countries will have to sit down and work out issues of mutual interest and benefit.”
Mr Thapar reiterated that the current negotiations were progressing well, and “not at all closed”.
“There must be tangible advantage for both countries; this is the sentiment guiding our negotiations. The finalising of FTA depends on both countries.”
Mr Thapar, whose last posting was in Lebanon, said coming to New Zealand was a welcome change from the Middle East.
“A priority for me is using the good office of the high commission to work with my Indian colleagues here who are familiar with local nuances, to solidify relations.”
On stronger trade ties, Mr Thapar said the issue was one of a two-way engagement. “It’s not only about a greater presence of India in New Zealand, but also of New Zealand in India.”
India boycotted the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka while New Zealand Prime Minister John Key attended.
Mr Thapar said every country was a sovereign and independent and India respected that. Therefore, India had no issues with Mr Key’s CHOGM attendance.
He highlighted India’s expertise in the agriculture sector, describing it as a “commonality”.
Mr Thapar stressed the importance of continued linkages in the fields of education, science/technology, and sports.
He is also keen for India to provide more expertise in yoga, meditation, and general stress management.
“Ancient Indian techniques can help keep the body fit and in good shape, and without investment too much in medical equipment. We could work in these areas too.”
Mr Thapar is an Economics graduate from India and later studied Law at Berkley, and did his Law post-graduate there. H has also served in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, San Francisco, Surinam, and Italy.
India’s new High Commissioner to New Zealand is sure to make his presence felt during his term in the country. Ravi Thapar, 54, arrived in the country last weekend and immediately signalled his keenness to strengthen relationships – not just economic and trade ties with New Zealand but also with...
India’s new High Commissioner to New Zealand is sure to make his presence felt during his term in the country.
Ravi Thapar, 54, arrived in the country last weekend and immediately signalled his keenness to strengthen relationships – not just economic and trade ties with New Zealand but also with the local Indian community.
While Mr Thapar is looking at a better market presence for Indian companies in New Zealand, closer interaction with members of the community is a priority as well.
Mr Thapar, who has been in the Indian Foreign Service since 1983, wants to work closely with the Indian organisations in New Zealand to be able to tackle issues which affect students and people of Indian origin in general.
“We’d like to be open and keep track of this subject,” Mr Thapar told the Indian Weekender in Auckland on Sunday.
“We would do the best possible to help.
“This is where Indian organisations here can help, to dynamise themselves, we’d like to work with the associations on these issues. They can do the basic filtration, and identify issues in a tangible manner,” Mr Thapar said.
“More filtration is important, not just cultural issues, and if need be, things can also be brought up with the New Zealand government.”
On the Free Trade Agreement negotiations underway between New Zealand and India since 2010, Mr Thapar said all FTAs required through ironing out of issues and an “understanding of nuances”.
“We would not like to be guided by any particular model New Zealand may have with other countries,” Mr Thapar said.
“The FTA must be country specific, both countries will have to sit down and work out issues of mutual interest and benefit.”
Mr Thapar reiterated that the current negotiations were progressing well, and “not at all closed”.
“There must be tangible advantage for both countries; this is the sentiment guiding our negotiations. The finalising of FTA depends on both countries.”
Mr Thapar, whose last posting was in Lebanon, said coming to New Zealand was a welcome change from the Middle East.
“A priority for me is using the good office of the high commission to work with my Indian colleagues here who are familiar with local nuances, to solidify relations.”
On stronger trade ties, Mr Thapar said the issue was one of a two-way engagement. “It’s not only about a greater presence of India in New Zealand, but also of New Zealand in India.”
India boycotted the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka while New Zealand Prime Minister John Key attended.
Mr Thapar said every country was a sovereign and independent and India respected that. Therefore, India had no issues with Mr Key’s CHOGM attendance.
He highlighted India’s expertise in the agriculture sector, describing it as a “commonality”.
Mr Thapar stressed the importance of continued linkages in the fields of education, science/technology, and sports.
He is also keen for India to provide more expertise in yoga, meditation, and general stress management.
“Ancient Indian techniques can help keep the body fit and in good shape, and without investment too much in medical equipment. We could work in these areas too.”
Mr Thapar is an Economics graduate from India and later studied Law at Berkley, and did his Law post-graduate there. H has also served in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, San Francisco, Surinam, and Italy.
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