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International
India‑New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Takes Effect on Oct 20
✍️ Asianet Newsable
🗓 16 Oct 2026, 03:37 AM
👁 10
India and New Zealand have brought their long‑awaited free trade agreement into force on 20 October, marking a milestone in bilateral trade. The pact, which eliminates most tariffs, is expected to boost exports and investment between the two economies.
India and New Zealand officially launched their free trade agreement (FTA) on 20 October, after years of negotiations that began in 2012. The agreement, signed in Wellington, removes tariffs on a wide range of goods, including dairy, seafood, and agricultural products, and opens up services markets for finance, education and professional services.
Under the FTA, both countries have committed to reducing non‑tariff barriers, simplifying customs procedures, and protecting intellectual property rights. The pact also includes provisions to support small and medium enterprises, encouraging cross‑border investment and joint ventures.
Trade analysts predict that the FTA could raise bilateral trade by up to 10 % over the next five years, with significant gains for India’s dairy and seafood exporters and New Zealand’s horticultural and agribusiness sectors. The agreement is seen as a strategic move to diversify India’s trade partners and strengthen economic ties with the Asia‑Pacific region.
Under the FTA, both countries have committed to reducing non‑tariff barriers, simplifying customs procedures, and protecting intellectual property rights. The pact also includes provisions to support small and medium enterprises, encouraging cross‑border investment and joint ventures.
Trade analysts predict that the FTA could raise bilateral trade by up to 10 % over the next five years, with significant gains for India’s dairy and seafood exporters and New Zealand’s horticultural and agribusiness sectors. The agreement is seen as a strategic move to diversify India’s trade partners and strengthen economic ties with the Asia‑Pacific region.