New Zealand starts negotiations for Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with India
Nathan Guy, the independent chair of the Meat Industry Association (MIA), is part of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s business delegation, alongside representatives from three red meat processing and exporting companies.
"We’re excited about the prospect of a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with India", says Mr Guy.
"A robust and productive trade relationship between New Zealand and India provides many opportunities.
"New Zealand has a great reputation as a trusted, reliable, and responsible trading partner. Like many developing countries around the world, India has experienced significant economic growth over recent decades and has a growing middle class with a focus on health and wellness, who are seeking high quality and nutritious animal protein options".
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says India is a rapidly growing economy with increasing demand for high-quality, nutritious protein.
"This visit is about strengthening relationships, exploring new trade opportunities, and fostering long-term economic co-operation that benefits both our countries.
"The Government really values the contribution of the red meat sector to New Zealand’s export success and our ambitions for growth and we look forward to working alongside our Indian counterparts to build on the opportunities ahead".
Mr Guy says India is an expanding and dynamic economy with real potential for opportunities for New Zealand.
"As well as sheepmeat products, the wide range of by-products, known as the fifth quarter, provide significant opportunities for New Zealand, with offal exports boosted through the rise of the petfood industry and the strengthening demand for serum exports.
"India plays a key role in the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing and exporting products such as vaccines to other countries. New Zealand’s fifth quarter products are sought after because of our disease-free status".
Mr Guy says the objective with India is to focus on long-term, mutual economic benefits, not just trade.
"New Zealand has the opportunity to contribute towards India’s development with potential to build the trade between the two countries in expertise in cold storage infrastructure, training and disease management, supporting the Indian Government’s socio-economic objectives.
"I would like to thank Prime Minister Luxon and Minister Todd McClay for their ongoing support for New Zealand’s red meat sector".
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