Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal Photo: AFP
Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal will discuss ongoing free trade negotiations with Trade Minister Todd McClay on his first official visit to New Zealand this week.
A team of trade negotiators from India is in New Zealand this week to conduct a fourth round of in-person talks.
The highly symbolic trip follows Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's trade mission to India in March and Indian President Droupadi Murmu's visit to New Zealand last year.
It also follows multiple visits to India by McClay and Foreign Minister Winston Peters since the 2023 election.
The government has vowed to strengthen New Zealand's trade and economic partnership with India, which is projected to become the world's third-largest economy in coming years.
"The government has been clear about its commitment to building a broad, deep and enduring strategic relationship with India," McClay said.
"Minister Goyal's visit reflects the strong momentum we've built together and our shared ambition to expand trade and investment."
Goyal is expected to attend a business summit in Auckland, engage with the New Zealand-Indian community, visit businesses in Rotorua and discuss free trade agreement negotiations with McClay.
"India's rise represents one of the most significant economic opportunities of our time," McClay said.
"A strong relationship means New Zealand will be well placed to find new opportunities leading to economic and business growth across key sectors."
New Zealand's previous free trade negotiations with India, which took place between 2011 and 2015, were hindered by obstacles, particularly around dairy exports.
India is New Zealand's 12th two-way trading partner, with total trade value reaching $3.14 billion in 2024.
India is New Zealand's 25th largest goods export market - valued at $718 million - mainly in forestry and agricultural products, including wool, timber and apples.
Goyal is expected to be in New Zealand from Wednesday through Saturday.
