New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay commended the strong leadership of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Chris Luxon for swiftly securing a free trade agreement in just nine months. McClay highlighted the friendly relationship developed between Prime Ministers Modi and Luxon through their global meetings. Last year, Prime Minister Luxon led the largest trade delegation ever from New Zealand to India.
McClay expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Modi’s accomplishments and leadership, emphasizing the honor of finalizing the agreement with him. He emphasized the need for businesses to now take the lead, as governments have largely completed the negotiation process. McClay announced plans to bring more trade missions from New Zealand to India to foster connections, encouraging Indian businesses to reciprocate with visits to New Zealand.
The minister stressed the importance of businesses actively seeking opportunities under the agreement, indicating optimism about the potential benefits. McClay eagerly anticipated hosting Prime Minister Modi in New Zealand, extending a warm welcome and expressing it as a great honor. He underscored the shared democratic values between India and New Zealand, noting their historical significance in the global landscape.
Highlighting the longstanding sporting ties between the two nations, McClay acknowledged 70 years of sporting collaboration and the recent T20 cricket final between India and New Zealand. He humorously invited Prime Minister Modi to bring his cricket team for another match in New Zealand, signifying the strong bond through sports.
