New Zealand International Business Forum backs NZ-India Free Trade agreement
The New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF) has joined exporters and industry leaders in signing an open letter backing the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement, highlighting its importance in strengthening New Zealand’s position in an increasingly contested global trading environment.
NZIBF has been clear since the conclusion of negotiations that it supports the agreement, which marks important progress in deepening economic ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
Trade underpins New Zealand’s prosperity, and the agreement delivers commercially meaningful gains across sectors including kiwifruit, apples, sheep meat, seafood and wine, unlocking new opportunities for growth.
NZIBF Executive Director Felicity Roxburgh said the agreement comes at a time when rising protectionism and geopolitical uncertainty are making market access more difficult for New Zealand firms.
“Exporters are operating in a more complex global environment, where access cannot be taken for granted and where trade is increasingly shaped by strategic considerations as well as economics.
“At a time of global volatility, expanding market access is critical. New Zealand’s FTA network remains one of the key tools available to mitigate disruption, and exporters need certainty and clarity to move forward in the India market.
“In that setting, agreements like the India deal are about expanding market access in key markets and creating options for firms.”
“India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, but also one of the most complex from a market access perspective,” Roxburgh said.
“This agreement provides a platform for deeper commercial engagement over time.”
NZIBF noted that while outcomes remain uneven across sectors, dairy should remain a priority for future engagement.
“Dairy is New Zealand’s largest goods export sector, and India represents one of the most significant long-term consumer markets globally. Continued dialogue to improve access for dairy will be important as the relationship develops.”
From a business perspective, timing also matters. Early signature and entry into force would allow exporters to access phased tariff reductions and quota arrangements sooner, reducing costs and providing greater certainty in the near term.
The inclusion of most-favoured-nation provisions is also important in a competitive global environment, helping ensure New Zealand is not disadvantaged as India negotiates with other partners. Realising those benefits will depend on the agreement entering into force.
New Zealand’s trade success has long been underpinned by bipartisan consistency. Maintaining that approach gives exporters the confidence to plan, invest, and grow.
“This is a beginning, not an end, but it is a step worth taking.”
ENDS
