The India-New Zealand Business Forum in Auckland has highlighted the expanding economic partnership between the two countries, coinciding with the visit of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and the largest-ever Indian business delegation to New Zealand. The event was hosted by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the High Commission of India in Wellington.
Senior government officials, business leaders and industry representatives from both nations attended the forum to discuss new opportunities in trade, investment and strategic cooperation. A major highlight was a fireside chat between Goyal and New Zealand’s Minister of Trade Todd McClay, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties. They emphasized the importance of the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, following renewed momentum after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon in March 2025.
During his engagements in Auckland and Rotorua, Goyal met several prominent New Zealand business leaders, including Valocity CEO Carmen Vicelich, Slumberzone CEO Ranjay Sikka, Meat Industry Association Chairman Nathan Guy, and Pan Pac Managing Director Tony Clifford. The discussions reflected growing interest in collaboration across agriculture, tourism, technology, education, sports, gaming and drone technology. With India’s rapid progress in the space sector, space cooperation also emerged as a promising area of future engagement.
Goyal also addressed a CEO Roundtable in Rotorua, where he described the proposed FTA as a symbol of growing trust and partnership between the two countries. He highlighted India’s position as a major global investment destination offering significant opportunities in value addition and innovation.
Engagements with the Indian diaspora formed an important part of the visit. In Auckland, Luxon joined Goyal and McClay in addressing the Indian community, acknowledging the diaspora’s role as a “living bridge” between the two nations. Goyal encouraged community members to remain connected to India while contributing actively to New Zealand’s growth and taking on leadership roles across sectors.
Members of the Indian business delegation also held sector-specific interactions with New Zealand companies and visited facilities including Red Stag, Fonterra’s Dairy and Food Innovation Headquarters, and the Auckland University Innovation Hub to explore collaboration in trade and innovation.
