Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, held high-level bilateral discussions with Mr. Todd Michael McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand, on the sidelines of WTO MC14. The ministers briefly reviewed preparations for the upcoming New Zealand visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Expressing high enthusiasm for this visit, New Zealand confirmed that a substantial list of deliverables are currently being finalised by both sides for this visit. To further strengthen economic ties, New Zealand will be hosting a high-level business delegation during the Prime Minister Modi’s visit.
Both sides also reviewed the progress toward the signing of the recently concluded India-New Zealand FTA. Discussions also focused on pursuing incremental and practical cooperation outside the formal FTA framework, specifically in sectors such as sports and agriculture, including the training of Indian farmers in kiwi and apple cultivation.
On the MC-14 agenda, India reinforced its commitment to a member-driven World Trade Organization (WTO). Shri Goyal emphasised that the General Council must lead reform efforts. Both ministers exchanged views on other agenda items, including on moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmission as well as incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement.
India stressed that clarity and progress on past commitments are vital for the WTO’s credibility. New Zealand acknowledged these concerns and called for greater member engagement to keep the process constructive and maintain the functioning of the WTO despite current challenges.
Prior to the Ministerial bilateral, Commerce Secretary, Shri Rajesh Agrawal also held a bilateral meeting with his New Zealand counterpart, Mr. Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic, on the sidelines of MC-14.