Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, interacted with a select group of chief executive officers (CEOs) and business leaders on Saturday, highlighting the vast potential for expanding bilateral trade, investment and innovation between the two countries.
Addressing the business leaders, Prime Minister Modi said India and New Zealand are connected by shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, diversity and a common commitment to sustainable development, which provide a strong foundation for a stronger economic partnership.
He described the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a landmark initiative that would deepen bilateral economic ties and create new opportunities in market access, investment, services, technology and talent mobility.
Highlighting India’s economic strengths, the Prime Minister said the country’s sustained high growth, young and skilled workforce, expanding middle class, digital transformation, modern infrastructure and continuing economic reforms present significant opportunities for New Zealand businesses.
He noted that political stability and India’s sustained growth trajectory have positioned the country as a key contributor to global economic growth.
Inviting New Zealand companies to expand their presence in India, PM Modi called for greater investment in infrastructure, civil aviation, logistics, clean energy, urban mobility, water management, waste management and the digital economy.
Emphasising India’s rapidly growing start-up ecosystem, he urged businesses from both countries to strengthen collaboration in innovation, fintech and emerging technologies.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the complementary strengths of the two nations, stating that New Zealand’s expertise in dairy science, horticulture and forestry, combined with India’s large consumer market, food processing infrastructure and agri-tech talent, could help create globally competitive food value chains.
PM Modi encouraged businesses to deepen commercial partnerships and contribute towards the shared goal of doubling bilateral trade to NZD 7 billion (approximately ₹35,000 crore) by 2030.
He said the India-New Zealand economic partnership has the potential to emerge as a model for inclusive and sustainable trade while fostering innovation, investment and shared prosperity.
