INZBC enhances the bilateral trade and business relationship

Media Release

04.11.2016

INZBC enhances the bilateral trade and business relationship with India during the Prime Minister’s visit to New Delhi.

The India New Zealand Business Council has taken big leaps in creating closer ties with business organisations in India, like FICCI and ASSOCHAM. This time around, INZBC was represented by Head of Govt. Relations, Mr. Wenceslaus Anthony along with two other Executive Board members, Mr. Bhav Dhillon and Mr. Jacob Mannothra. There were many other members of INZBC, as part of the business delegation of the Prime Minister, John Key, to India.

Announcement of Education Summit 2017

One of the major developments was the singing of an MOU between INZBC and The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

This MOU has been signed towards the collaboration for organizing an Education Summit in Auckland in 2017, “Edutech 2017- Knowledge, Skill, Technology”.

The Summit would see participation from stakeholders from New Zealand and India in the education space. Since Education has been identified as one of the focused sectors for collaboration between the two countries, this Summit would provide an ideal platform for bringing the people involved in the education sector on a common platform. The Summit is supported by the New Zealand Government.

The MOU was signed by Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary General for FICCI along with other officials present: Dr. Rajesh Pankaj, Joint Director, Higher Education; Dr. Gunveena Chadha, Asst. Sec. General, Mr. Gaurav Vats, Joint Director and Poonam Patodia, from the FICCI side.

Dr. Didar said, "We welcome this unique MOU and it was indeed very good of INZBC to take the leadership in this matter. We look forward to many more summits, to enhance the bilateral relationship between India & NZ."

From the New Zealand side, MOU was signed by Wenceslaus Anthony, along with the team of Bhav Dhillon, Jacob Mannothra, Jenn Bestwick (Chair, ARA Institute), Sushrutha Metikurke, Chris Gosling (CEO of Whitiera & WELTEC).

It is noteworthy that a number of members on the official business delegation of the Prime Minster of New Zealand are from the Higher Education Sector and key members were present at this MoU signing.

Mr. Anthony commented, "Association with FICCI is nearly around two decades and INZBC looks forward to working with FICCI, to promote the message of education and technology between the two countries. Both INZBC & FICCI are credible organisations and partners with resources. We look forward to working with other stakeholders and education partners and both the governments, to make this a success".

Signing of MOU with ASSOCHAM.

INZBC and ASSOCHAM formed an alliance during the state visit of PM John Key in 2011. This visit a formal MOU was signed with Gaaurav Tripathi, Joint Director, International Affairs at ASSOCHAM.

Says Mr. Anthony, “Once again, this was another milestone achievement for INZBC. With this MOU, INZBC will be the only organisation based in NZ, which have signed an MOU with all the major business organisations based in India, namely: CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM & PHD Chamber of Commerce.”

“Thanks to Mr. Asthana, who was one of the key note speakers at the INZBC Summit 2015. He showed a lot of confidence in the leadership of INZBC and was instrumental in signing of the MOU.”

INZBC meets lead FTA negotiator and his team.

INZBC had a detailed and productive meeting with the new FTA negotiator, Dr Anup Wadhawan (Additional Secretary Commerce & Industry) and the FTA team, consisting of Dammu Ravi (Joint Secretary, Commerce & Industry), Sudhanshu Pandey (Joint Secretary, Commerce & Industry), Seetharam Reddy (Additional Director General, Foreign Trade).

FTA team was very pleased to have met the INZBC team and are keen to work closely to further the trade & business between India & NZ and look at some of the aspects that are being discussed, in the FTA negotiation.

Bhav Dhillon, Treasurer, INZBC says, “INZBC has assured them that we will work closely and provide all the necessary information and help required from NZ and also impressed upon them that NZ based companies are very keen for a meaningful and high quality FTA, that would be of benefit to both the countries.”

Jacob Mannothra Executive Committee Member spoke about the Forestry Sector and the value addition that could be done in India which was well noted by the officials.

It was also conveyed to them that the Indian diaspora in NZ is also very eager to contribute towards the growth of relations between NZ & India.

INZBC had a brief meeting with T.C.Mathew, Vice- President, BCCI, in Kochi and to explore the possibility of training and coaching in Cricket between India and New Zealand.

INZBC’s visit was widely covered in the New Zealand and the Indian media too. With the National News network, Doordarshan taking Mr. Anthony’s interview Live at the prime time 9pm slot. The video cane be viewed here: https://youtu.be/vx7to4ACMnE

One of the leading dailies in India, The Hindu, also published an article ahead of the trip. Read here: http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/new-zealand-pms-delegation-to-visit-india-promote-bilateral-talks/article9249610.ece

INZBC’s perspective on the visit.

Mr. Anthony said that this visit has been great in creating a positive environment on both sides, to build on the relationships. He Says, “This was the first Prime Ministerial visit after the change of guard in India, with Mr. Modi at the helm of the affairs. Mr. Key has made a great impact on the political establishment in New Delhi with this visit.”

He said that it’s now up to the government agencies like NZTE, MFAT, Education NZ, and Export NZ, INZBC etc. to work with credible organisations and build on the relationships established.

Robert Barker, Chair, INZBC said, “This trip highlighted the fact that New Zealand considers India as a great partner in its growth and progress. Such meetings help in growing the people-to-people engagement that our council and other government agencies strive to achieve”.

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