Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay has formalized a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) during the Prime Minister's Indian Trade Mission, aiming to enhance New Zealand's collaboration with India in the horticulture sector.
"Our relationship with India is a key priority for New Zealand, and this agreement reflects our commitment to deepening this strategic partnership," McClay stated.
The MOC focuses on fostering closer ties between the two nations' horticultural industries, emphasizing technical exchanges, harvest, and post-harvest management, training, and technological expertise sharing.
"By working together, we can unlock new opportunities for both nations, supporting the growth and diversification of our horticultural industries while benefiting rural communities on both sides," McClay added.
A key aspect of the MOC is the joint development of New Zealand's and India's kiwifruit sectors. "Kiwi fruit will be the first significant achievement under this partnership, already worth $600 million. And this agreement has the potential to create up to $1 billion in reciprocal horticultural benefits over the next decade," McClay stated.
This development marks the culmination of years of collaboration between industries and governments. New Zealand's kiwifruit industry has built a global reputation for high-quality production, and this agreement is anticipated to drive further growth and innovation in both markets.
Source: Inside Government