India New Zealand FTA

The commerce ministry on Sunday said India's traditional medicine system - AYUSH - has received formal recognition in bilateral trade agreements with Oman and New Zealand. Both the agreements, which were finalised last year in December, have dedicated annexures on health-related services and traditional medicine. "India's traditional medicine systems (AYUSH) have also received formal recognition in bilateral trade agreements, including the India-Oman CEPA and the India- New Zealand FTA," it said. Exports of AYUSH and herbal products have registered a growth of 6.11 per cent, increasing from USD 649.2 million in 2023-24 to USD 688.89 million in 2024-25.

India and New Zealand announced the conclusion of the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations on 22 December, under which Wellington has committed $20 billion in FDI over the next 15 years

Indian exporters in various sectors like agriculture, petroleum, pharma, apparel, electronics and auto have potential not only to scale up shipments to New Zealand but also help the island nation reduce its dependence on China. According to think tank GTRI, in 2024-25, New Zealand imported goods worth over USD 10 billion from China compared to just USD 711 million from New Delhi. Wellington's total imports in that fiscal year were USD 50 billion. GTRI's report stated that opportunities exist for various Indian sectors to increase penetration in the island nation, given a bilateral free trade agreement. The sectors with potential include processed foods and agri-linked products, petroleum products and industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, plastics, rubber and consumer goods, textiles and apparel, electronics and electrical equipment, automobiles and transport equipment, aerospace and high-value manufacturing, furniture and lighting. India is a significant global ...

As many as 5,000 of India professionals such as yoga instructors, chefs, Ayush professionals, IT, education teachers, nurses, caregivers, will get professional visas for serving New Zealand economy

If utilised well, the India-New Zealand FTA will strengthen trade, investments and economic relations between the two countries

New Zealand has taken a binding commitment under its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India to amend its laws within 18 months of the pact's implementation to facilitate the geographical indication (GI) registration of Indian goods besides wines, and spirits in the island nation. The current GI law of New Zealand only allows India's wines and spirits to be registered. A GI, a type of an intellectual property right, is primarily an agricultural, natural or manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin. Once a product gets a GI tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name. Its other benefits include legal protection to that item, prevention against unauthorised use by others, and promoting exports. "Commitment is now in place to taking all steps necessary includin

Under the India-New Zealand FTA's Financial Services Annex, India has offered higher FDI limits in banking and insurance and a simpler licensing regime for foreign bank branches

Quota-based duty concessions granted by India to New Zealand for apples, kiwifruit, and Manuka honey are linked to the delivery of agriculture productivity action plans committed by the island country under the free trade agreement. The implementation of the plans will be monitored by a Joint Agriculture Productivity Council (JAPC). According to the pact, the move is aimed at balancing market access with protection of sensitive domestic agricultural sectors. New Zealand has agreed on focused action plans for kiwifruit, apples, and honey to improve productivity, quality, and sectoral capabilities in India. The cooperation includes the establishment of centres of excellence, improved planting material, capacity building for growers, technical support for orchard management, post-harvest practices, supply chains, and food safety. Projects for premium apple cultivators and sustainable beekeeping practices will enhance production and quality standards in India. "All tariff rate quotas

Political tensions flare in Wellington as New Zealand First opposes the trade deal's immigration concessions, citing concerns over local job security and long-term demographic shifts

Provisions related to the services sector in the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will open up significant opportunities for highly skilled Indian professionals in areas such as information technology, designers, engineering, manufacturing, education and healthcare, members of the Indian diaspora in Auckland said. Negotiations for the FTA have been concluded and after completion of domestic approvals, it is expected to be implemented from next year. The trade deal will give India tariff-free access to the island nation's markets, bring in USD 20 billion of investment over the next 15 years and will give India more temporary employment visas, easier access for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Auckland-based computer engineer Rani Singh said the pact is a timely move, especially for the technology and services sector. "While trade agreements are often discussed in terms of goods, this one feels particularly relevant to professionals like me because of its focus on ...

The free trade agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand will help diversify exports, and attract investments in areas like agriculture, experts said. The conclusion of negotiations for the pact was announced on December 22. It is likely to be signed and implemented next year. India and New Zealand on Monday said they have concluded talks on a free trade deal that will give India tariff-free access to the island nation's markets, bring in USD 20 billion of investment over the next 15 years and help double bilateral trade in goods and services the next five years to USD 5 billion. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President S C Ralhan said upon entry into force, the free trade agreement (FTA) will provide zero-duty access on 100 per cent of India's exports, with tariff elimination across all tariff lines or product categories. "It will enhance the competitiveness of Indian products in the New Zealand market and provide a major boost to employment-generating sector

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An FTA has also been agreed upon with the United Kingdom (UK), which means that India now has formal trade pacts with three of the five Anglosphere economies

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters has called the India-New Zealand FTA a "low-quality deal", criticising its impact on dairy, labour mobility and migration

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India has protected dairy and key farm sectors in the India-New Zealand FTA, underlining that dairy will never be opened up in trade negotiations

India and New Zealand have concluded a Free Trade Agreement after nine months of talks; the deal cuts tariffs, boosts trade, opens jobs and creates new visa routes for Indian professionals