Venkat Raman –
New Zealand companies know that India represents an enormous long-term opportunity and increasing numbers of them are dedicating the resources to begin the task of successful market entry, a Minister of the Crown has said.
According to Associate Trade Minister Todd McClay, while India offers tremendous opportunities, New Zealand businesses must understand how they can fit in with the global economic powerhouse.
Changing Trade
Speaking at the ‘Business Summit 2015’ organised by the New Zealand India Business Council (INZBC) at Crowne Plaza Hotel on March 13, he said that New Zealand’s current trade relationship with India is characterised by commodity products such as coal, logs, hides and skins, wool and dairy.
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“But this is beginning to change, with technology and services increasing, along with higher-value food and beverage products such as lamb, chocolate and avocados,” he said.
Mr McClay said that by 2050, global agricultural production will increase by 70% to feed a population that will grow from seven to nine billion. Added to this is the emergence of middle classes seeking to increase the amount of animal-based protein in their diet.
“Increased trade is not just about more products being exported. It is about an exchange of knowledge, expertise, technology and services, and investment,” he said.
Innovation source
Although investment flows between India and New Zealand are small, the presence of big Indian IT multinationals including CMC, Tata Consulting Services, Mahindra Satyam, Wipro and Infosys will enhance New Zealand’s status as a valuable source of innovation,” Mr McClay said.
Award Category
The growing importance of India as a trading partner encouraged us to include the ‘Business Excellence in Export to India Category’ in the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards since their launch in 2008.
While a Free Trade Agreement appears still remote, increasing number of exchange visits by ministers, officials and businesses between the two countries prompted us to extend the scope and extend this Award Category.
Thus, the Category has been renamed, ‘Business Excellence in International Business with India,’ with the ACG Careers & Tertiary Group as the Sponsor.
This award recognises a business that successfully captures the benefits of the global market demonstrating outstanding export achievements, sustainable growth and results. Our panel of judges look for evidence demonstrating export growth in volume and as a proportion of business revenue.
Tribute to Indians
ACG Careers & Tertiary Group Divisional Chief Executive Feroz Ali said that the Award is the Group’s tribute to the significant contribution that the Indian community makes to New Zealand business.
“As an organisation, we promote New Zealand education in India and are proud to play an active part in the Indian community in New Zealand. The Indian students who study with us go on to become active members of our local community, gaining meaningful employment and giving back to the community,” he said.
Educational Leader
ACG is a leading independent provider of educational services from pre-school through to tertiary level. Its Tertiary & Careers Group incorporates three Category 1 providers, including ACG Yoobee School of Design, New Zealand Career College (NZCC) and NZMA), and delivers training in Digital Design, Health, Early Childhood, Cookery, Hospitality, Business, Contact Centre, Retail and Trades.
“The Business Excellence in International Business with India’ is the only category open to all New Zealand businesses exporting a product or service to India. It appropriately recognises export achievers,” Mr Ali said.
Our Title Sponsor
BNZ Head of Indian Community Banking Ansuya Naidoo said that the Bank is committed to supporting the growing communities that make up the changing face of Auckland and New Zealand.
She said that BNZ is proud to be Title Sponsor of IBA for the fifth consecutive year.
This is currently the only forum where all Indian businesses gather, with the number of guests increasing every year.
Last year more than 900 businesspeople attended, representing a broad spectrum of New Zealand’s Indian businesses and industries, she said.
“The awards scheme encourages Indian businesses to have sound business plans and strategies in place. To make the IBA even more successful, and to raise the profile of the wider Indian business community, we want to encourage participation from all business, large or small, across the country. By entering the awards, it is a good opportunity for businesses to assess the strengths of their own business, and also reflect on external threats and opportunities,” Ms Naidoo said.
She also urged business leaders in the community to nominate and invite their Indian clients to participate in this year’s awards.
