On Sunday 26 June I’m going to India with Trade Minister Tim Groser, National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and a 25-strong business delegation for a state visit. We will visit New Delhi, Agra and Mumbai on the trip.
I’m looking forward to meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. We have a lot to discuss and I hope we can progress the New Zealand – India free trade negotiations. I’m looking to increase our engagement across a range of sectors like science and innovation, defence, the film industry and education.
New Zealand is working hard to increase our engagement with Asia. India is a rapidly rising player in the Asia-Pacific region, and the two-way trade potential of India is huge. We want to make the most of the opportunities that India can provide, and we want to build on our already strong relationship. Boosting trade is important to help businesses in New Zealand grow, create jobs, and increase wages and living standards.
I also want to recognise the contribution Indian people, and other migrants to New Zealand, are making to our increasingly diverse and vibrant nation. I value the strong relationship National has with ethnic communities, and we’re working hard to ensure your voice is heard at the highest levels of Government.
National’s ethnic team is working hard to support the Ethnic Affairs Minister Hon Hekia Parata. It’s great to see the team out and about meeting many of you at events in your communities all year round. Although we’ve been very busy at Parliament lately, we always enjoy attending functions and the colourful celebrations across New Zealand.
I’m looking forward to opening many doors for New Zealand business with this visit, and building on our strong ties with India. If you would like to keep up to date with my trip to India, as well as other news, I would encourage you to sign up to receive my online newsletter Key Notes at www.johnkey.co.nz .
