New Delhi, April 27 (IANS). Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday held a fruitful dialogue with the heads of various Export Promotion Councils (EPCs).
“Had fruitful talks with heads of various Export Promotion Councils (EPCs). Sector-specific priorities were discussed and their constructive feedback heard with regard to enabling Indian businesses to export and take advantage of opportunities in the global trade landscape,” Union Minister Piyush Goyal posted on social media platform ‘X’.
We discussed sector-specific priorities and heard their constructive feedback to enable Indian businesses to export and take advantage of opportunities in the global trade landscape.
He further said, “We also considered ways to increase market access and promote exports by taking advantage of various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) recently signed by India for exporters.”
Earlier, Goyal said he was keen to harness the full potential of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement to create new opportunities for businesses in both countries, strengthen value chains and further deepen the bilateral economic partnership.
Addressing the India-New Zealand Business Forum here along with his New Zealand counterpart Todd McLay, the Union Minister highlighted that India’s huge market, skilled talent, digital capabilities and manufacturing capabilities complement New Zealand’s expertise in agri-tech, clean energy and fintech.
“The strong engagement and shared views of business leaders from both sides highlighted the immense potential for deeper trade, investment and innovation-based cooperation between our countries,” Goyal said.
This free trade agreement, concluded in a record nine months, is an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations. Presently trade in goods is estimated at $1.3 billion and trade in services is estimated at $634 million and both the countries aim to increase it to $5 billion in the next five years. The approximately 3 lakh strong community of Indians in New Zealand serves as an important link in this partnership.
According to an industry body, the agreement underlines India’s strategic diversification in the Indo-Pacific region and its commitment towards building resilient, inclusive and future-ready economic partnerships.
–IANS
OP/DKP