New Zealand - India Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser and Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma announced on 31 January 2010 that all approvals had been secured for Free Trade Agreement negotiations to commence between their two countries.

“A free trade agreement with India offers great promise for New Zealand businesses. India is already one of our fastest growing markets, with New Zealand exports having tripled over the last decade” said Mr Groser.

New Zealand's exports to India were valued at NZ$630 million in 2009, a 280% increase on our 2001 exports to India and overall bilateral trade between India and New Zealand grew 180% between 2001 and 2009, from NZ$353 million to NZ$985 million.

New Zealand and India agreed to undertake a joint study into the implications of a free trade agreement in 2007. That study was completed in February 2009 and has since been accepted and approved by the New Zealand and Indian governments. The study found that considerable potential exists to substantially develop the bilateral trade and economic relationship. You can download the report of the Joint Study Group below:

• Report of the NZ-India FTA Joint Study Group (PDF 2.2MB)

In preparation for negotiations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade last year called for and received numerous submissions. Those submissions have been reviewed so as to be able to be taken into account in the negotiating brief. Now that negotiations are definitively proceeding we again welcome submissions or comments from interested parties through the online submission form below:

• Online submission form

Submissions will close on 15 March 2010. However, we would be happy to continue receiving informal comments throughout the negotiations. To get in touch with the negotiating team for further information or to make comments or provide feedback, contact Joanne Dow: joanne.dow@mfat.govt.nz or +64 4 439 8084.