Piyush Goyal: India-NZ talks focused on goods mkt access, services

AUCKLAND: The fourth round of the India-New Zealand FTA talks was focused on goods market access, services, economic and technical cooperation, and investment opportunities, and both countries have vowed to wrap up a deal soon.

"We look forward to working towards the early conclusion of a balanced, comprehensive and mutually beneficial agreement, in line with the growing strategic and economic convergence between India and New Zealand," commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday at the end of his official visit to New Zealand.




While no timeline has been given about the signing of the FTA, there are expectations that it may be concluded early next year.

New Zealand's trade minister Todd McClay will visit India next month and is expected to carry forward the negotiations.

Negotiators from both countries have narrowed down the differences but there are some "nuances" which need to be worked on. The dairy remains a sticking point.

But there is growing interest in New Zealand about expanding cooperation with India across sectors such as agriculture, tourism, technology, education, sports, gaming, and drone technology.

Given India's significant advancements in the space sector, including its recent lunar missions, space collaboration was identified as an area for future engagement.

During the visit, Goyal also held meetings with business leaders from both India and New Zealand and called for deepening the economic ties between the two countries.