Venkat Raman
A space designer, an international trade manager and a dairy farmer are among the three new persons inducted into the Governance Board of the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) earlier this week.
A Council notification said that Jo Pennycuick, Esther Guy-Meakin and Earl Rattray will join the helm of the business body with immediate effect.
The Council described the new appointees as ‘heavy-hitters in their respective fields’ and that they will add talent and expertise to the Governance Board.
The appointment of Ms Pennycuick and Ms Guy-Meakin sets the right direction in supporting gender diversity on New Zealand Boards, the notification said.
Jo Pennycuick: Designs over India
Jo Pennycuick is Managing Director of ‘Redesign Group’ with global design practice.
The Company creates, designs and brands retails stores in airports and shopping malls, restaurants, commercial houses and homes and promotes aesthetic beauty and ambience in interior design.
With offices in Christchurch (New Zealand), New Delhi (India), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), the Company has local talent to execute projects.
The Group’s strong presence in the Middle East (Oman, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia) stimulates the Arab penchant for sublime and bold interiors.
The Indian consumer market is one of the most complex in the world, with tastes and styles differing between States and Territories.
Ms Pennycuick appears to have made an impact in the Indian market with contracts in the airport, hospital and retail sectors, and is optimistic of her new role at INZBC.
“I hope to bring some value add to the Council and provide my experience and in territory knowledge to fellow New Zealanders that wish to enter the Indian market. The ‘Redesign Group’ is expanding into construction with turnkey projects. The corporates are seeing value in our work in India, and we are now working with Samsung India, Diagio Johnnie Walker and LG for their roll out plans,” she said.
Esther Guy-Meakin: Strengthening Trade
India does not encourage cow slaughter- in fact it is banned in several States and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been urged to enact a Federal Law to outright ban the practice – and hence beef trade is not likely to generate much interest. But the market is ripe for lamb and as such, Esther Guy-Meakin would enjoy the challenge as International Trade Manager at Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
However, her expertise gained during an impressive diplomatic career at the Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry would be useful to INZBC.
Her assignments have included a range of trade and economic-focused roles, among which were Lead Goods Negotiator on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Pacific Alliance, India-New Zealand FTA negotiations and Legal Advisor on Services and Investment in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.
Her three-year tenure at the New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi was useful for New Zealand companies to access the Indian market, while the New Zealand government gained further insight into trade and economic policy.
As we have always maintained, India is not likely to accord a ‘Full-Scale FTA status,’ complete with tariff concessions on agricultural and dairy products to New Zealand but the experience and expertise of Ms Guy-Meakin is expected to be handy for INZBC.
“There are increasing opportunities for New Zealand and India to deepen their trade links and cooperation in a range of areas including on services and manufacturing. And in respect of food and beverage and agriculture, there is real potential for New Zealand to be a valuable partner in India’s growth story,” she said, commenting on her induction into the INZBC Governance Board.
Earl Rattray: The Diary Challenge
Although Fonterra has made some progress in India, the Indian diary industry looks more for protection than international trade, for the country has abundant supply of milk and milk products. There is however market potential for exporters who can command higher prices among India’s discerning customers.
We do not see any government intervention in offering tariff-free imports.
However, the presence of Earl Rattray in the governance role at the INZBC is likely to add value to the business body.
His long-standing dairy industry career, both in farming, and in significant dairy industry leadership roles, including as a founding Director of the Fonterra Cooperative Group, and the inaugural Chairman of the New Zealand Dairy Companies’ Association will be a distinct advantage.
“India resets comprehension of demand, competition and margins. Step by step, the environment for investing and operating a business there is maturing, and some aspects of company regulation are impressively advanced. The transition from Informal to formal business is palpable, and so is the transition of Indian consumers expectations,” he said.
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Images of Jo Pennycuick, Esther Guy-Meakin and Earl Rattray from INZBC website.
