India and New Zealand have given the status of ‘Strategic Partnership’ to their bilateral relations. Both countries have also approved “India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap 2030”. Under this roadmap, work will be done together on trade, agriculture, security, innovation, tourism and strengthening people-to-people ties in the next four years.
This decision was taken in the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The special thing is that this is the first election of an Indian Prime Minister after almost 40 years. First official visit to New Zealand Is.
Target to double trade by 2030
Both the countries have set a big target of giving new impetus to economic cooperation. India and New Zealand have set a target of increasing the total trade in goods and services between the two countries to 7 billion New Zealand dollars (about ₹ 35,000 crore) by the year 2030. Both governments believe that this will create new business opportunities, increase investment and provide new markets to the companies of both the countries.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be implemented soon
India and New Zealand have also agreed to implement the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) soon. Both Prime Ministers said that this agreement will be balanced, comprehensive and beneficial for both the countries. This agreement will reduce many barriers to trade, make import-export easier and will open new opportunities for New Zealand companies to invest in India. At the same time, Indian industries and businessmen will also get better access to the New Zealand market.
Cooperation will increase in agriculture and dairy sector
Many important decisions have also been taken in the agriculture sector under the roadmap. Both countries will work together in horticulture, forestry, animal husbandry and dairy sectors. New Zealand will provide technical assistance to improve the production of kiwi fruit, apple and honey in India. Apart from this, it will also cooperate in setting up Kiwi Fruit Center of Excellence in India. A new cooperation agreement (MoC) has also been agreed between the two countries in the animal husbandry and dairy sector.
Emphasis on tourism and direct flights
India and New Zealand have also taken important steps to increase tourism. Both countries have signed an agreement (MoA) related to tourism. Also, a decision has been taken to encourage airlines to start direct non-stop flights between India and New Zealand. If direct flights start, then travel between the two countries will be easy and there can be huge benefits in the field of tourism, trade as well as education.
Maritime and customs cooperation will be strengthened
Both the countries have also agreed to simplify the customs process. Under this, Authorized Economic Operator Economic Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA) will be implemented, which will make custom clearance faster and easier for trusted companies. Apart from this, India and New Zealand will also increase cooperation in the maritime sector. Both countries will work on mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates, which can increase international opportunities for Indian seafarers.
Leave a Reply