New Government in India brings hope for better trade ties with New Zealand

The new Modi government in India appears to support improvements to bi-lateral trade, judging from the positivity shared by Associate Minister for Tourism, Hon. Todd McClay, Grahame Morton (NZ High Commissioner to India) and Richard White, NZTE Trade Commissioner for India. All three spoke at 2 separate events held by INZBC last week.

All three speakers had shared their optimism, that the new government would bring the necessary impetus to the economy and boost International trade.

Tourism Seminar by INZBC
Speaking at the Business Beyond Barriers seminar, organised by India New Zealand Business Council on 19th May, Todd McClay emphasised that "with New Zealand hosting about 32,064 visitors from India annually, tourism with India features as a top priority for the government" [figures for the year ending March 2014, up almost 7 per cent on the previous year]. "This is recognised in the additional funding that the Government provided to Tourism New Zealand in the 2013 Budget to establish or strengthen its presence in emerging markets", said Mr McClay.

The Indian visitor spends on average NZ$3680 per person (excluding airfares) whilst in New Zealand.

"Emerging markets, such as India, offer substantial growth opportunities given their increasing wealth and closer proximity to New Zealand compared with many of our traditional source markets." Mr McClay also confirmed that the upcoming 2015 Cricket World Cup will be a priority to boost tourism.

The Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand have agreed that people travelling to both countries for the event will only need to apply for one visa. This visa will streamline procedures for genuine Cricket World Cup spectators and participants.

NZTE trade commissioner for India, Richard White also advised NZ companies to make best use of the 2015 Cricket World Cup to increase their influence in India.

He said, "We've got firms doing really good things in food and beverage including important horticultural products like kiwifruit and apples, and in the past year, thanks to great work by MFAT and the Primary Industries Ministry, access for lamb and avocadoes has also improved."

"These products and others like wine, chocolate, ice cream and cheese are mostly high end, premium products for which there is increasing demand thanks to the rapidly growing number of wealthy and well-travelled Indian consumers."

According to Richard, other firms that are active and enjoying success in business with India are: agritech, ICT, medical devices, aviation and advanced manufacturing, as well as the important primary sector commodities such as coal, timber and wool, which are still the major contributors to our export figures.

Sunil Kaushal, Chair INZBC believes India represents a significant future opportunity for the visitor economy, including tourism and education. The middle class in India is growing at 50million per annum and represents a significant opportunity.

INZBC supports the current proposed Singapore Airlines / Air NZ alliance agreement and calls upon both the governments to expedite this for the economic benefit of both countries", said Sunil.

The recent Trip Advisor survey in India indicated that NZ was the top destination for Indian surpassing countries like France and Switzerland - the ideal holiday destination for many Indians over recent years.
Sunil said that INZBC also lobbied with Immigration NZ to allow one visa for the Indian tourist during the 2015 world cup and this will certainly help boost our tourist numbers.

Grahame Morton speaks to INZBC members

The new NZ High Commissioner to India also met India-NZ industry members and the members of INZBC at a breakfast event, on 23 May.

Grahame was of the opinion that the new government will be helpful in driving growth and expand bi-lateral ties.