Venkat Raman
Auckland, December 15, 2023
Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges is gratified that the new Coalition government is keen to foster bilateral relations with India and seek a higher level of trade pact but believes that such initiatives should go beyond the corridors of power.
“I am happy that there is renewed vigour in promoting better economic ties with India. But such efforts should not just be confined to Ministers in Wellington or New Delhi. There is scope for greater involvement of everyone in the community,” he said, speaking to Indian Newslink.
Mr Bridges was at our offices on December 8, 2023 to introduce Dr Pankaj Choudhary, Assistant Professor at the Campus Law Centre of the University of Delhi and National In-Charge of Research and Policy Division of the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP). Dr Choudhary was in New Zealand as his guest.
Continuous Dialogue
“We should promote visits by such people- not necessarily large delegations but small, cohesive and meaningful groups comprising businesspersons, investors and perhaps community leaders and cultural ambassadors. I met Dr Choudhary during my recent visit to Delhi. I believe that such connections are meaningful and important in our efforts to get closer to India,” he said.
Mr Bridges has visited India earlier as the Leader of the National Party (and Leader of the Opposition) and has interacted with his counterparts as the Minister of Economic Development and Minister of Transport in the John Key and Bill English governments. He said that while his political experience made him understand the importance of bilateral relations, his current role at the Auckland Business Chamber has brought him closer to the business community and understanding of its aspirations.
Realistic and Relevant
“We need to be involved as people, as members of civil society, business and NGOs. We are a small and outward-looking nation. India is a huge country with immense potential and is looking at the world with a lot more confidence now. It has a dynamic, young population with skills and expertise.
I have always believed that when we speak of a relationship with India, we must be realistic and talk of issues that are relevant to that country,” he said.
Mr Bridges said that New Zealand the dialogue and discussions with India should be continuous, realistic and relevant to that country.
“India has a huge and youthful population with a very large pool of talent. We need the expertise, skills and professionalism that the country offers to boost our own growth. India will be the engine of global growth and we need India. We must change our approach; we need to have a different narrative that will make our relationship work and take it to a higher level,” he said.
Mr Bridges said that as well as the Business Chambers, the media and NGOs can also help to build meaningful relations with India.
