MARCH 17:On the eve of the bilateral meeting between the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, both nations have announced the launch of negotiations for a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This announcement is made in the spirit of deepening the economic cooperation between India and New Zealand, reflecting their shared commitment to fostering stronger trade ties. The milestone event was highlighted by a meeting between Hon’ble Shri Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, and Hon’ble Mr. Todd McClay, New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment, on March 16th, 2025.
The India-New Zealand FTA negotiations represent a significant step towards enhancing bilateral economic and trade relations. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in the longstanding partnership between the two nations, which has been grounded in shared democratic values, robust people-to-people ties, and complementary economic strengths. The announcement is a testament to the enduring trust and cooperation between India and New Zealand and their shared desire to further unlock the potential of their economies through a mutually beneficial agreement.
The FTA negotiations aim to deliver balanced outcomes that will improve supply chain integration, boost market access, and open up new avenues for trade and investment in both countries. By lowering barriers to trade, the agreement seeks to facilitate the smoother flow of goods, services, and investments, making it easier for businesses in both nations to thrive in a globalized market. The negotiations are expected to focus on key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and services, all of which are vital to the growth and development of both economies.
The launch of these negotiations underscores the importance both countries place on creating resilient and prosperous economies. With global trade dynamics evolving rapidly, this partnership aims to build a more diversified and robust economic framework that can withstand external challenges while fostering growth opportunities for the future. As both nations seek to strengthen their economic partnership, the India-New Zealand FTA will contribute significantly to enhancing bilateral trade volumes and advancing sustainable economic development.
This development reflects a shared vision for a stronger, more resilient economic partnership that benefits both India and New Zealand. It lays the foundation for an even more prosperous future as both countries work toward realizing the full potential of their economic cooperation. The launch of the FTA negotiations is, therefore, a crucial milestone that will shape the economic trajectory of both nations for years to come.