Modi invites New Zealand firms to invest in India, targets doubling bilateral trade by 2030
Auckland, July 11 (TNT): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday invited New Zealand businesses to invest in India’s fast-growing economy, highlighting opportunities across infrastructure, clean energy, logistics, digital economy and emerging technologies, while urging both countries to work towards doubling bilateral trade to NZD 7 billion (around ₹35,000 crore) by 2030.
Modi, along with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, interacted with a select group of CEOs and business leaders during his official visit to New Zealand.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said India and New Zealand are united by shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, diversity and a common commitment to sustainable development, providing a strong foundation for a deeper economic partnership.
He described the recently concluded India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a landmark milestone that would strengthen bilateral economic ties by expanding market access, investment, services, technology cooperation and talent mobility.
Highlighting India’s economic prospects, Modi said sustained high growth, a young and skilled workforce, an expanding middle class, rapid digital transformation, world-class infrastructure development and continuing economic reforms have positioned India as a major driver of global growth and an attractive investment destination.
He invited New Zealand companies to partner India in sectors including infrastructure, civil aviation, logistics, clean energy, urban mobility, water management, waste management and the digital economy.
Modi also called for stronger collaboration between the private sectors of both countries in innovation, fintech and emerging technologies, citing India’s vibrant start-up ecosystem.
He said New Zealand’s expertise in dairy science, horticulture and forestry, combined with India’s vast consumer market, food parks and agri-tech capabilities, could create globally competitive food value chains.
The Prime Minister urged businesses from both countries to expand investments and commercial partnerships to achieve the shared target of doubling bilateral trade to NZD 7 billion by 2030.
He said the India-New Zealand economic partnership has the potential to emerge as a model for inclusive and sustainable trade while fostering innovation, investment and long-term prosperity for both nations.
TNT TS
