Stories
India-New Zealand FTA to Take Effect October 20 with Zero-Duty Access for Indian Exports
- •The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will officially come into force on October 20, boosting bilateral commerce and investments.
- •Under the pact, 100 percent of Indian exports will receive zero-duty market access in New Zealand.
- •New Zealand has committed to facilitating investments worth 20 billion dollars into India over the next 15 years.
- •The agreement provides a Temporary Employment Entry Visa pathway for 5,000 skilled Indian professionals with up to three years of stay.
- •India has protected sensitive sectors by excluding dairy products, onions, almonds, and sugar from tariff concessions.
Key Questions Answered
The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, coming into force on October 20, grants 100% of Indian exports zero-duty market access in New Zealand. Meanwhile, India will liberalize tariffs across 70% of its tariff lines for New Zealand imports, covering 95% of bilateral trade.
The trade agreement provides a Temporary Employment Entry Visa pathway featuring a quota of 5,000 visas with a permitted stay of up to three years for skilled Indian professionals. Additionally, New Zealand has committed to facilitating $20 billion in investments into India over the next 15 years.
India retained full protections for sensitive domestic sectors under the FTA, ensuring there are no tariff concessions or allowances granted for dairy products, onions, almonds, and sugar.
