Giving a major boost to Canterbury's economic ties with India, India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC)—which promotes trade, investment and business cooperation between the two countries—launched its Christchurch chapter recently.
At a function held on May 25 at Ara Institute of Canterbury (AIC) and attended by the city's mayor Lianne Dalziel as well as several members of the INZBC, the launch is a signal of the growing importance of India for Canterbury as regards to trade and education sectors, noted Beth Knowles, AIC's International Director. INZBC's Christchurch chapter will be led by Sushrutha Metikurke who is also the market sector manager for India at AIC.
"India is our fastest growing market. Last year, we had 518 Indian students studying at AIC. These are students who are already highly skilled and are incredibly important in helping to fill the skills shortage in Canterbury," Knowles added.
“Moreover, the establishment of the Christchurch chapter will lead to greater opportunities for Canterbury industries and businesses, as it will make networking and collaboration between Canterbury and Indian organisations even easier.”
Notably, AIC already has put in place two student visit programmes with educational institutes in India to give students of both countries some international exposure and help develop varied business skills by gauging each other's economic environment. Also, there are various Canterbury businesses with considerable interests in India including the Redesign Group and Hamilton Jet.
"The INZBC is a great way to develop networks and create opportunities for our students as well as help stimulate the Canterbury economy. Everybody benefits from such collaborations," Knowles concluded.