India, New Zealand discuss ways to enhance economic relations
India and New Zealand are discussing ways to enhance economic cooperation by finalizing a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries. Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Minister of State in the Ministry of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship, who is on a five-day visit to the island country from May 31, met New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Wednesday, a report said. Enhancing cooperation in the field of Information Technology (IT) and computer science and issues related to the free trade agreement were part of the discussions between the two leaders. “The prospects of strengthening ongoing trade ties through finalizing of an FTA were also referred to by Key during the discussions,” the Indian High Commission in Wellington was quoted as having said in a statement. Acknowledging India’s potential in IT sector, the New Zealand Prime Minister said that New Delhi can play a significant role in IT and computer science sector in the coming years. Report says that Key is likely to visit India early next year. During his meeting with the Indian minister, Key also expressed willingness to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rudy, who is leading a multi-party parliamentary delegation, will conclude the tour on June 4. During the visit, the delegation aims to explore opportunities to boost bilateral trade and share expertise in the field of skill development and vocational training. Indian IT majors like HCL, Wipro, Infosys, TCS and others already have presence in New Zealand. The bilateral trade between the two counties was to the tune of US$ 1.3 million in 2011, as per the Indian High Commission in New Zealand. India exports diamond jewellery, bed linen, garments and footwear to New Zealand, while major import items from New Zealand include coking coal, wool, logs, sheep skin leather and rawhides.
June 03, 2015 | 06:59 pm IST.
to success.