The All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and World Trade Center Mumbai have welcomed the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), describing it as a major milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations and opening new avenues for trade, investment, and workforce mobility.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President of AIAI and Chairman of World Trade Center Mumbai, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating,
“This agreement marks a transformative milestone in India’s global trade journey, offering duty-free access to 100% of Indian exports and significantly enhancing the competitiveness of labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, engineering goods, and agriculture, while the USD 20 billion investment commitment over the next 15 years is expected to boost manufacturing, infrastructure, and services, generate employment, and strengthen India’s position in global value chains.”
He further emphasized the broader opportunities created through services and mobility provisions, adding,
“A particularly encouraging aspect of this agreement is the inclusion of health and traditional medicine services, which opens meaningful avenues for collaboration, while the enhanced mobility provisions, Ranging from student exchanges to post-study work opportunities and dedicated visa pathways, including a quota for 5,000 professionals and 1,000 Work and Holiday visas, this agreement will enable our students and skilled professionals to gain global exposure and foster stronger people-to-people connections.”
Dr. Kalantri also noted the strategic safeguards within the agreement, stating,
“Importantly, India has safeguarded its core interests in sensitive sectors such as dairy and agriculture, while labour-intensive industries like textiles and leather are expected to gain significantly from improved market access, and this landmark agreement will accelerate trade expansion, strengthen people-to-people ties, and serve as a strong catalyst for economic growth in both India and New Zealand.”
AIAI and World Trade Center Mumbai remain optimistic that the India–New Zealand FTA will usher in a new phase of economic collaboration, driving sustainable growth, innovation, and stronger bilateral engagement between the two nations.