New Delhi, April 25 (IANS). Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday welcomed New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay to India. This welcome was given before the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries was signed on April 27.
The minister wrote on the social media platform ‘X’ that he is happy to welcome Todd McClay to India, as this marks the beginning of a new chapter in the economic relations between India and New Zealand.
He said that the visit ahead of the India-New Zealand FTA signing on April 27, 2026, reflects the trust, shared values and common vision of economic development between the two countries.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had already said that this agreement will benefit both the countries in increasing trade and getting better access to the market.
“We will sign a free trade agreement with India on Monday,” he wrote on social media platform X.
In a video message, Luxon said the agreement will give New Zealand exporters better access to the Indian market, especially companies that manufacture marine jet systems used in boats, which are exported to more than 70 countries.
He said that this deal will reduce trade barriers and strengthen trade relations between the two countries.
Laxon also said that currently some exporters have to pay taxes (tariffs) while sending goods to India, but this agreement will gradually reduce these charges, which will make business easier and more competitive.
He said that this FTA will boost trade, employment and economic development in New Zealand. According to Luxon, this will provide more jobs, better wages and new opportunities.
After the signing of FTA, it is expected that trade and investment between India and New Zealand will further increase, and both the countries will get more opportunities in the global market.
–IANS
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