Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon interacted with a select group of CEOs and business leaders to strengthen bilateral economic relations. PM Modi emphasized that India and New Zealand share democratic values, respect for rule of law, diversity, and commitment to sustainable development as foundations for an ambitious economic partnership. He described the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement as a landmark that would add depth and dynamism to bilateral economic ties, opening new opportunities for market access, investment, services, technology, and talent mobility.
PM Modi highlighted India's sustained high growth, young and skilled workforce, expanding middle class, digital revolution, next-generation infrastructure push, and continuing economic reforms as significant opportunities for New Zealand companies. He noted that political stability and sustained growth have positioned India as a significant contributor to global growth. Specific investment invitations were extended for infrastructure development, civil aviation, logistics, clean energy, urban mobility, water management, waste management, and digital economy sectors.
The Prime Minister called for closer engagement between private sectors in innovation, fintech, and emerging technologies, noting India's vibrant start-up ecosystem. He proposed combining New Zealand's strengths in dairy science, horticulture, and forestry with India's consumer market, food parks, and agri-tech talent to create global food value chains.
A concrete bilateral trade target of doubling current levels to NZD 7 billion (approximately INR 35,000 crore) by 2030 was established. PM Modi emphasized that the India-New Zealand economic partnership could become a model for inclusive and sustainable trade and a platform for innovation and prosperity.