Todd McClay, the newly appointed Minister of Trade in the Christopher Luxon-led coalition government, has confirmed his intention to visit India soon as possible.
Talking to The Indian Weekender, the minister said, “India is a high priority for me as I plan to visit India as soon as possible. We made a commitment to do this during the election campaign, and we will honour that commitment. I am working on the logistics and the dates.
I look forward to having a stronger relationship with India. We will invest significantly in this relationship, going from strength to strength.”
On November 29, in his first official speech in the role, at INZBC End of Year event at SkyCity, McClay spoke of India as a strategic priority for New Zealand, seeing a multifaceted and diverse bilateral relationship as essential for a thriving two-way trade.
“Going forward, I will focus on the value of trade over volume in our relationship with India. The key focus areas would include traditional sectors like primary industry, education and tourism and emerging areas such as technology and space. We are committed to fostering closer ties and creating economic partnerships thatbenefit both nations. “
Honorary Consul of India in Auckland Bhav Dhillon, who has recently been appointed Patron of INZBC,
shared his vision for strengthening bilateral ties between NZ and India.
“ I am delighted that growing trade with India is a strategic priority for the new government, as conveyed by
the minister. It is incredible that the minister signalled his intention to visit India and meet Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal."
McClay is also Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Forestry, Minister of Hunting and Fishing, and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs, outlined the government’s top priorities. These include boosting the country’s economy and improving the cost of living for its citizens.
McClay affirmed the government’s dedication to nurturing a robust and fruitful relationship with India.
“Our government is committed to prioritising and expanding commerce with India. We want to increase cross government engagement with India. Trade missions are a priority for the new government. I hope to lead more trade missions in the next three years than any other previous governments, especially to India. Strengthening global connections, especially through trade, is a key driver to achieve thesemgoals,” added McClay.
As McClay works on the logistical details of his upcoming visit, anticipation is high for strengthened ties between New Zealand and India, as both nations look forward to increased collaboration and economic partnerships in various sectors.
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