Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal is on an official visit to New Zealand to strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations, as the two countries hold the fourth round of negotiations for the proposed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Auckland from November 3 to 7.
During the visit, Goyal participated in the India–New Zealand Business Forum organised by the Auckland Business Chamber, where he joined New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay for a fireside chat moderated by Chamber CEO Simon Bridges.
Referring to the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Goyal said the dialogue had reinvigorated the partnership and provided direction for deeper sectoral cooperation. He urged both sides to explore new avenues of collaboration in areas such as maritime, forestry, sports, education, technology, and tourism.
The Minister noted that the presence of a large Indian business delegation in New Zealand reflected growing confidence in the Indian economy and its vision of Viksit Bharat.
Speaking on the FTA negotiations, Goyal said discussions were progressing in a spirit of mutual respect and shared commitment to achieving balanced outcomes. He added that New Zealand could benefit from access to India’s vast and expanding market, while India could leverage New Zealand’s technological strengths for mutually beneficial growth. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian diaspora in strengthening New Zealand’s economy and enhancing cultural ties.
At a community event held at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland, Goyal thanked Prime Minister Luxon for attending the gathering and celebrating the India–New Zealand partnership. Addressing the diaspora, he spoke of India’s cultural ethos, saying that while one’s Janmabhumi (land of birth) connects people to their roots, their Karambhumi (land of work) offers the opportunity to serve and contribute.
Expressing optimism about creating more “Successful Kiwi–Bharat Stories,” Goyal lauded the efforts of the Indian community and reaffirmed that shared values, culture, and aspirations continue to bring the two nations closer.
Prime Minister Luxon praised India’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse, noting that the country is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy. He described the Indian diaspora as “bridges” that strengthen the bonds between India and New Zealand, adding that the partnership rests on mutual respect and fairness.
As part of his visit, Goyal also held an interactive session titled “Tea with Indian Business Delegation” with prominent industry leaders. He appreciated the participation of the largest-ever Indian business delegation visiting New Zealand, highlighting growing opportunities for collaboration in agriculture and food processing, wood and forestry, technology, and innovation.
Business leaders praised India’s reform-oriented policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and Startup India initiative, which have enabled Indian companies to expand globally.
Goyal encouraged Indian entrepreneurs to stay resilient and innovative, noting that the spirit of enterprise and innovation is what drives sustainable growth and strengthens international partnerships.