Shillong: India and New Zealand are accelerating their free trade agreement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon plan to double bilateral trade to NZ$7 billion by 2030. The deal covers nearly all goods between the two nations.
Signed back in April, the agreement wipes out tariffs on every single Indian export to New Zealand. It cuts or scraps taxes on 95 percent of goods flowing the other way. The leaders aim to move fast on these trade goals. They want quick, effective implementation.
Customs barriers are dropping soon. Both countries will use the 2025 Authorised Economic Operators Mutual Recognition Arrangement to speed up inspections. This simplifies rules for trusted traders. They are also pinning their hopes on new technical pacts. Officials will work together on horticulture research, forestry policy, and dairy science. They expect these initiatives to sharpen their competitive edge.
Aviation and travel remain high priorities. The nations want to boost visitor numbers by getting airlines to start direct flights under their updated air services agreement. Both countries also plan to join the Global Biofuels Alliance to shift toward cleaner energy. India’s Directorate General of Shipping is working with Maritime New Zealand to bridge gaps in training. They want better recognition for seafarer certificates to help their maritime workers. As officials stated, they intend "to ensure its early entry into force and effective implementation."
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