THE landmark India-New Zealand free trade agreement would add depth and dynamism to the bilateral economic ties and open new opportunities for market access, investment and talent mobility, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. In an interaction with a select group of CEOs and business leaders, PM Modi emphasised that the two nations’ shared democratic values, diversity, and commitment to sustainable development provide a robust foundation for an ambitious, forward-looking economic partnership. The Prime Minister made the remarks shortly after holding wide-ranging talks with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon that produced 18 key outcomes including elevation of the bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership. Modi landed in Auckland on Friday on the final leg of his three-nation tour that largely focused on expanding economic and security cooperation.

 

“A stronger economic partnership between India and New Zealand will create new opportunities for businesses, innovators and our youth,” Modi told the business leaders. The Prime Minister said India and New Zealand have taken a historic decision to elevate the relations to the level of strategic partnership. “Under this, we will move forward in every sector with clear goals and concrete outcomes,” he said. Prime Minister Modi described the India-New Zealand free trade agreement as a “landmark” initiative that would add depth and dynamism to the bilateral economic ties, and open new opportunities for market access, investment, services, technology and talent mobility.