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Polling places closed on Saturday after the final day of voting in New Zealand's election following a tense campaign that left the main contenders neck and neck with no clear route to victory for either. An incumbent conservative government led by the National party is seeking a second term against a leftwing bloc led by Labour. In polls close to election day, neither Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of National nor opposition leader Chris Hipkins of Labour had a clear path to victory, with minor parties on the ideological flanks expected to hold sway over the next government's formation. Voting began on October 26 and ended on Saturday at 7 pm. New Zealand's Electoral Commission aimed to release a count of 5 per cent of the vote within 30 minutes of polls closing. Results from 95 per cent of ballots cast are expected by the end of Saturday night. A final, verified tally is due on November 27, including results from votes cast by New Zealanders living abroad. Analysts said the fat
The free trade agreement between India and New Zealand, which will come into force from October 20, will give a major boost to domestic farm products and processed food sectors, trade promotion body TPCI said on Wednesday. The Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) said that under the pact, tariffs on processed foods, spices, seasonings, confectionery, bakery goods, packaged cereals, sauces, fruit juices, and processed vegetables will drop from up to 5 percent to zero on Day One of the implementation of the agreement. "By securing immediate 100 per cent zero-duty access across all product lines, Indian exporters, particularly in food processing, textiles, and light engineering, gain an unparalleled competitive edge in Oceania," TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla said. He said the council will assist MSMEs and agri-food businesses to leverage these tariff concessions, meet technical standards, and build long-term buyer relationships in New Zealand. Duty-free access opens significant room f
The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will come into force on October 20, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday. The two countries had on April 27 signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost two-way commerce in goods and services and promote investments. The agreement will come into force on Dussehra, which is on Oct 20, Goyal said. The FTA provides duty-free access for 100 per cent of India's exports to New Zealand. Currently, New Zealand maintains peak tariffs of up to 10 per cent on key Indian goods, including ceramics, carpets, automobiles, and auto components. New Zealand has committed to invest USD 20 billion over 15 years in India.
India and New Zealand are working closely to complete their respective domestic processes to facilitate the early implementation of a trade agreement between the two countries, an official statement said on Thursday. The two countries signed a free trade agreement in April and it is expected to come into force in the third week of October. "India and New Zealand are working closely to complete their respective domestic processes and to facilitate the early entry into force of the Agreement," the commerce ministry said. It said that India has welcomed the passage of legislation by the Parliament of New Zealand on September 16 to give effect to the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The passage of the legislation marks an important step towards implementing the pact. The agreement provides duty-free access for 100 per cent of Indian exports to New Zealand from the date of entry into force. It would open new opportunities for Indian exports including textiles and apparel,
India's pace of development is "unprecedented" despite global challenges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, emphasising that the country is giving the world new models of development. Speaking at an Indian community event titled 'Kia Ora Modi' in Auckland, also attended by his Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon, Modi said that the relationship between India and New Zealand is built on cherished memories, enduring friendship, shared values and a mutual commitment. "Amidst global challenges, the speed at which India is developing is unprecedented. Today, India is the world's fastest-growing major economy," Modi said, amid cheers and applause from the audience. Prime Minister Modi said India is giving the world new models of development. "Today in India, billions of digital transactions are happening every month through UPI. India is touching new heights in drone technology and the space economy," he said, amid cheers and chants of 'Modi Modi'. Stating that the future of
India is not only a market but a launchpad for global growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday as he invited New Zealand's top business leaders to invest in diverse sectors of the Indian economy. In an interaction with a select group of CEOs and corporate leaders in Auckland, Modi said the landmark India-New Zealand free trade agreement - signed earlier this year - would add depth and dynamism to the bilateral economic ties and open new opportunities for market access, investment and talent mobility. 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. "In India, we have made reform, perform, and transform the basis of governance. Today, India has policy stability, political stability, and continuity of growth," he said. "Therefore, our message to the world is: India is not only a market; India is a launchpad for global .
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday hailed India's "incredible" economic transformation and urged businesses in both countries to deepen engagement to open up new markets and trade opportunities. Luxon made the remarks at an interaction themed "India-New Zealand: A Winning Partnership", attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a two-day visit to the country. Addressing the gathering, the Kiwi prime minister said he has been a "great fan" of India for a long period of time. "I first went to India in my mid-20s. And that's because I worked for a company called Unilever, which, of course, owns Hindustan Unilever, which was a top 10 company in India," he told the gathering of a select group of CEOs and business leaders. Luxon said he went to India in the mid-to-late 90s, when he said people were paid their daily wages in coins. "It's interesting to me that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, he has lifted 250 million people out of poverty. There ar
India's pace of development is unprecedented despite global challenges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, asserting that the country is giving the world a new model of development. Speaking at an Indian community event titled 'Kia Ora Modi' in Auckland, also attended by his Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon, Modi said that the relationship between India and New Zealand is built on cherished memories, enduring friendship, shared values and a mutual commitment. "Amidst global challenges, the speed at which India is developing is unprecedented. Today, India is the world's fastest-growing major economy," Modi said, amid cheers and applause from the audience. Prime Minister Modi said India is giving the world a new model of development. "Today in India, billions of digital transactions are happening every month through UPI. India is touching new heights in drone technology and the space economy," he said, amid cheers and chants of 'Modi Modi'. Stating that the future of I