Business: There are huge opportunities in areas like tourism, education, digital technology and cyber security to strengthen economic relations between India and New Zealand. This is what the Indian expatriate community in Auckland has to say. India is the second largest source of international students to New Zealand.

Implementation of FTA will boost bilateral trade
He said that the implementation of the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will give a huge boost to bilateral trade between the two countries. It is currently worth around $1.4 billion. Let us tell you that both the countries are negotiating a trade agreement to increase trade and investment relations. The negotiations are almost complete.

There will be immense opportunities for working together between the two countries.
Trade talks have received a major boost from Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent visit to Auckland and Rotary. Rani Singh, an Auckland-based computer engineer, said I see immense opportunities for the two countries to work together, not just in trade, but also in areas that build long-term relationships such as education, tourism and innovation-driven industries like premium beverages and technology.

He said both countries can also benefit from cooperation in digital technology, AI and cyber security. Singh said that these are areas where India has breadth and talent. New Zealand offers innovation and a strong research environment.

Both countries will face global challenges together
He further said that we should encourage joint technical education programs, online learning platforms and student exchange opportunities between universities and technology companies. Such collaboration will prepare students from both the countries to face global challenges together.

The increasing number of Indian tourists opened the way for the tourism sector.
Sharing similar views, management professional Ajitesh Shekhar said the update to the Air Services Agreement and the increasing number of Indian tourists visiting New Zealand have opened up new avenues for deeper cooperation in the tourism sector. He said direct air connectivity, easy visa process and common branding can boost bilateral tourism between the two countries. Shekhar also added that the alcoholic beverages sector, though limited in scope, offers high value cooperation between the two countries.

There are more than three lakh Indian immigrants in New Zealand
Major Indian companies present in New Zealand include HCL, Mahindra Motors, Tech Mahindra Limited, TCS, Infosys, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Royal Enfield Motors. There are more than three lakh Indian immigrants in New Zealand. It is estimated that about 70,000 people hold an Indian passport and Hindi is the fifth most spoken language in that country.

NRIs are mainly engaged in professional occupations such as doctors, professors, engineers, chartered accountants and computer experts. There are Indian associations in all major cities, which help the community preserve its cultural heritage.