After a recent visit to India, primary sector exporters from New Zealand are excited about the opportunities for a closer partnership between the two countries. Still, they are urging their government to adopt a more flexible and focused approach to trade.
New Zealand’s agriculture exporters and industry bodies, including representatives from the kiwifruit and apples & pears sectors, were part of an India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) delegation.
INZBC chair Earl Rattray: “India is on track to become the world’s third largest economy within the next decade. There is a modern economic miracle unfolding there, with an openness to explore mutually beneficial ways to strengthen trade relationships. This is a good time for New Zealand business to embrace India.”
Terry Meikle, chief executive of New Zealand Apples and Pears, said moving beyond a transactional relationship and demonstrating a real commitment to being a true and trusted partner with India is vital.
“It is important that we find opportunities to work together to share knowledge, build greater understanding between our two countries and find opportunities for mutual benefit. New Zealand Apples and Pears has a long history in the state of Himachal Pradesh, working with local growers to improve their livelihoods. We know from this experience that New Zealand and India have things we can learn from each other.”
Source: mia.co.nz