When Wenceslaus Anthony steps down next month from the post of Chairman of the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) after four years, his successor would face the formidable challenge of maintaining the high standards of quality and connectivity that he was able to provide during his term in office.
Although his guidance would be available to the Council at least over the next two years as the Immediate Past Chairman and ex-officio Member of the Executive Committee, the incoming officials would have to work hard to ensure that the body does not go into oblivion again.
Growing importance
We have known the existence of the Council prior to Mr Anthony’s election in 2009 (the first person of Indian origin to be elected Chairman since its formation in 1988) but remained largely unknown to many, most of all to businesses of Indian origin.
With his communication, organisation and negotiating skills, he lifted the Council to prominence, making its voice heard not only among the portals of the New Zealand and Indian Governments, but also, more importantly among businesses in both countries. From its obscure, one-branch facility in Wellington with occasional meetings, INZBC has today grown to have its pronounced presence with Chapters in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with Sir Richard Hadlee as its Patron.
As well as securing strategic partnership with institutions in promoting its objectives of reaching higher levels of engagement with New Zealand and India at government and non-government levels, Mr Anthony was also the architect of forging closer relationship with a number of important bodies in India. These include the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Confederation of Indian Industry, the Associated Chamber of Commerce of India (ASSOCHAM) and the Punjab, Haryana & Delhi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHD).
He has initiated and led meetings and discussions with a number of ministers and top officials of the New Zealand and Indian Governments, Chambers of Commerce & Industry and other similar organisations and participated in joint meetings to promote bilateral relations.
The tasks ahead
Notwithstanding the strides taken over the past four years, Mr Anthony firmly believes that the Council has just begun to scratch the surface.
“Our bilateral trade is rising, negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement are in progress, an increasing number of students and tourists from India are looking at New Zealand as an ideal destination, but these alone would be insufficient to tap the immense potential that India offers to New Zealand businesses. We need to trigger a Movement that would entail public-private partnerships and people-to-people interaction. We must share the enthusiasm and ambition of the two Governments to lift the level of economic and commercial cooperation to greater heights,” he said.
Other interests
His business acumen, ability to meet exacting standards of quality and integrity made him a natural choice for appointment as a Director of Bank of Baroda (New Zealand) Limited in June 2012.
INZBC recently nominated him to the Advisory Board of the New Zealand India Research Institute based at Victoria University in Wellington
Migrating to New Zealand in 1999, he established WA Marketing Limited as an import and export company to represent products and suppliers who are experts in their field.
Over the years, the Company, which is a part of the WAML Group, has gained agency rights with several internationally known companies in many parts of the world. The Group also has its presence in Australia, India, Sri Lanka and Singapore.
“New Zealand is the ideal country to establish commercial entities and deal with the rest of the world. With quality life, good business practices and friendly people, this country continues to be a major attraction to global organisations and entrepreneurs,” he said.
His business associates, peers and suppliers say that WAML has carved for itself in a niche market in every country of its operation, with uncompromising principles of honesty, integrity and reality.
“A strong network of offices has helped the Group to source quality suppliers and represent the best interests of clients worldwide,” they said.
Among his other interests are PACT Industries Pty Ltd (Director), Bank of Baroda (New Zealand) Limited (Director), International College of Auckland (Chairman, Advisory Board), India New Zealand Business Council (Chairman), Mother Teresa Interfaith Committee (Chairman), Conquest Boys Club (Chairman) and Catholic Caring Foundation (Director).
As he steps down, Mr Anthony and his Executive Committee could be justly proud of a number of achievements that would provide stability to INZBC in the coming years. These include a robust Constitution, with amendments to make the organisation more relevant to modern times and a strategic, four-year business plan (2011-2015). Photo :
File Photo of Wenceslaus Anthony speaking at the opening of the New Zealand Consular Office in Mumbai on March 17, 2011.
