Todd McClay is heading to India again next week to meet senior central government ministers and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the latest in a round of high-pitch diplomatic camaraderie.
The trade minister will meet Piyush Goyal in what will be his fifth in-person meeting with his Indian counterpart in nine months.
“We are developing deeper and stronger engagement across all facets of the relationship, including in food and fibre exports, which hit $213 million last year,” says McClay.
“The government has set the aspirational target of doubling exports by value in 10 years, and unlocking the Indian market of 1.4 billion people will play a pivotal role in achieving this.”
Trade outlook between India and New Zealand has been bullish ever since Prime Minister Christopher Luxon took charge last year in an election pitch that was high on amping up relations with India.
Just last month, McClay landed in Delhi on a surprise visit within just days of meeting Goyal in Italy. The impromptu stopover while returning home from the G7 meeting of trade ministers signalled a heightened tempo in the government’s efforts to build stronger bilateral relations.
McClay has a busy schedule in India next week. Beside meeting Goyal, he is scheduled to meet ministers responsible for agriculture and primary industries, according to an official press statement.
“I look forward to discussions on the full breadth of New Zealand’s agricultural and trade relationship with India, including areas where increased cooperation can build a stronger food and fibre sector relationship and support commercial opportunities in both directions,” says McClay.
He will also travel to the western Indian state of Gujarat to meet with local and New Zealand businesses, and also Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
“I am looking forward to engaging with businesses on the ground and unlocking opportunities to share insights and expertise across a range of sectors.
“New Zealand and India share a warm relationship and I’m confident both countries can build stronger food and fibre sectors, support commercial opportunities, and foster conditions that spur growth on both sides,” he says.
McClay stresses on the importance of New Zealand’s relationship with the South Asian giant.
“India is an important partner for New Zealand, and the government is committed to achieving a step-up in our relationship.Growing our trade relationships will boost New Zealand’s economy, lift incomes, reduce the cost of living and provide the public services Kiwis deserve.”
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