Michael Henstock
New Zealand Indian businesses celebrated Indian Independence Day by hosting a gala dinner at Naumi Hotel in Auckland on August 15, 2018.
‘India@72,’ organised by the New Zealand India Trade Alliance (NZITA), was attended by Diplomats, Ministers, Members of Parliament, top business associations and leaders of various Indian groups.
NZITA Secretary General Sunil Kaushal said, “This is a historic first for New Zealand as we wanted to commemorate Independence Day with the business community and reach out and engage with the wider importers and exporters. Many local events are held by the various Indian associations but this is the first time we engaged with the diplomatic corps, Politicians and Kiwi businesses.”
Indian government initiatives
NZITA Chairman Giri Gupta encouraged New Zealand companies to take advantage of the various initiatives of the Narendra Modi government like ‘Make in India,’ ‘Swatch Bharat’ and others. He said that New Zealand companies have a particular opportunity to contribute through their IP, and sought-after kiwi technology.
National Party Deputy Leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett said that the rich Indian culture and business connections are enriching the Kiwi way of life in trade, education, culture, tourism and blended families.
Internal Affairs, Children and Seniors Minister Tracey Martin said that she is keen to see Hindi being added to the school curriculum since India was an enormous market and Kiwis needed to understand the country better.
Economic indicators
NZITA Co-Deputy Chairman and former Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor Dr Don Brash said that India has made extraordinary progress and will soon become the third largest economy in the world. Its economy is growing at 7% per annum; it has a low rate of inflation at 4% and a fiscal deficit of 3%. That is extraordinary,” he said.
Dr Brash also indicated that Mr Modi will soon announce the largest Health Care Insurance Scheme in the world that will benefit 500 million people.
Wide Representation
The event was attended by the Honorary Consuls from 11 different countries and was supported by Presidents of various Indian Associations.
Michael Henstock is a Member of the Executive Committee of the New Zealand India Trade Alliance.
Photo Caption:
NZITA Chairman Giri Gupta (Sixth from left) with guests and Association officials at the Independence Day Dinner held on August 15, 2018 (Picture Supplied)
