Indian Minister Piyush Goyal to Strengthen Trade Ties in New Zealand

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, is set to visit New Zealand next week, leading a high-level business delegation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). This visit marks a significant step in enhancing the trade relationship between India and New Zealand, particularly following the recent launch of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at fostering deeper economic cooperation.

During his visit, Goyal will engage in bilateral discussions with New Zealand officials and will be hosted by Trade Minister Todd McClay. He plans to address a business forum and participate in community events in two cities: Auckland and Rotorua. The event in Rotorua is especially noteworthy, symbolizing the strengthening ties between the two nations on both economic and community levels.

Officials indicate that Goyal’s visit emphasizes New Zealand’s objective to utilize the FTA to enhance trade and investment opportunities, while simultaneously bolstering people-to-people connections and business collaborations with India. The Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the High Commission of India have both announced the upcoming visit via social media, highlighting its significance.

The negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand were officially launched earlier this year, representing a landmark development in their economic relationship. The announcement came in advance of a bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The formal decision to initiate FTA discussions was made during a meeting in March 2025 between Minister Goyal and Minister McClay. Since then, several rounds of negotiations have taken place, reflecting a commitment to advancing trade discussions.

As the visit approaches, more detailed analyses and insights on the implications of the FTA for New Zealand businesses will be available on platforms such as The Indian Weekender’s website and WhatsApp channel. These insights aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving economic landscape and the potential benefits that may arise from this growing partnership.