Leaders expected to build on landmark trade pact and strengthen economic and strategic cooperation….reports Asian Lite News Desk
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Friday announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake his first official visit to New Zealand next week, describing India as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies and a key partner in New Zealand’s future economic growth.
“I’m delighted to announce Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week,” Luxon posted on X.
Underscoring the importance of the relationship, he said India is “one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, and a country of enormous importance to New Zealand’s economic prosperity.”
Luxon said the two nations are entering a new phase in their partnership following the signing of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in April.
“We are taking the two countries’ relationship to the next level with our New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in April, which will deliver more jobs, higher exports and stronger economic growth for New Zealand,” he said.
The agreement, he added, will open new opportunities for New Zealand businesses by expanding access to India’s 1.4 billion-strong market, boosting exports, creating jobs and increasing incomes for Kiwi communities.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive in Auckland on July 10 and depart the following day. The visit comes just over two months after the two countries signed the landmark FTA, marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations.
The trade pact is expected to substantially strengthen trade and investment ties by eliminating tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports, providing wider market access for its businesses.
For India, the agreement will facilitate duty-free imports of key industrial raw materials, including wooden logs, coking coal, and waste and scrap metals, helping lower manufacturing costs, improve supply chains and enhance industrial competitiveness.
The FTA also provides for cooperation in agriculture through a dedicated agrotechnology plan aimed at supporting Indian farmers with expertise in the cultivation of crops such as kiwi fruit and apples, as well as honey production.
Prime Minister Luxon visited India from March 16 to 20 this year, during which he held talks with Prime Minister Modi and formally launched negotiations for the FTA. The two sides also signed several agreements covering defence, horticulture and forestry.
India and New Zealand enjoy a warm and expanding partnership based on shared democratic values, Commonwealth links and a common commitment to promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
