Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said that a proposed bilateral free trade agreement between India and New Zealand will not only strengthen trade and investment relations but also send a strong message to the world about the growing partnership between the two nations.
Addressing the media in Auckland alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Goyal outlined how both countries stand to benefit from greater economic collaboration. 
&ldquo;New Zealand stands to gain from the large market that India offers, while India can benefit from New Zealand&rsquo;s innovations,&rdquo; he said.
The minister identified maritime, aerospace, defence, education, sports, and tourism as key areas of enhanced cooperation to deepen bilateral engagement.
&ldquo;I am grateful for the direction that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand&rsquo;s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon are providing us to negotiate a mutually beneficial trade deal for the prosperity of our people and businesses,&rdquo; Goyal said in a post on X.
Goyal noted that he was leading the largest-ever Indian delegation to New Zealand and emphasised the shared commitment of both nations to a stronger partnership. 
&ldquo;We are going to work together for a better future for the people of New Zealand and India, providing new opportunities for business, creating new job opportunities, and adding to economic development as inclusive and sustainable growth is at the core of our philosophy,&rdquo; he said.
Highlighting India&rsquo;s economic transformation, Goyal stated, &ldquo;From the fragile five to the top five, it&rsquo;s been a relentless pursuit by India to promote ease of doing business, attract investments by laying down the red carpet, and eliminate red tape.&rdquo;
He added that India has been continuously reducing both direct and indirect taxes while simplifying compliance and removing the threat of criminalisation for minor infractions.
During his visit, Goyal, along with Prime Minister Luxon and Trade Minister Todd McClay, also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland.
&mdash;IANS

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November 5, 2025 | 18:09 IST