India and New Zealand on Sunday announced resumption of negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement, after it was stalled in 2015.
India and New Zealand began negotiating the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in April 2010 to boost trade in goods, services, and investment. However, after nine rounds of discussions, the talks stalled in 2015.
”The two nations are pleased to announce the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations,” the commerce ministry said.
"On the occasion of the visit of Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon to India from 16 to 20 March, 2025, and in the spirit of deepening our economic co-operation, the two nations are pleased to announce the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations," the commerce ministry further said.
India and New Zealand share a longstanding partnership founded on shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and economic complementarities. Both countries have continuously worked towards building their bilateral relationship encompassing trade and investment.
It was marked by a meeting between Piyush Goyal, India's Minister for Commerce and Industry, and Todd McClay, New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment, on March 16, 2025, laying the foundation of a momentous partnership towards strengthening the economic and trade ties between the two countries.
The India-New Zealand FTA negotiations aim to achieve balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and improve market access. This milestone reflects a shared vision for a stronger economic partnership, fostering resilience and prosperity.
*With Agency Inputs
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