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Rupert Holborow, High Commissioner for New Zealand in India, informed that India and New Zealand is planning to “formally begin a free trade agreement negotiation next year”.
Mr. Holborow informed that the first round of study had been done, and the Prime Ministers of both the nations are supporting the idea, “which will be very important for putting a much more dynamic nature into the relationship.”
He added, “That will probably move us from second gear into third gear, and that is a plus.” He said this association should see fourth gear.
According to Mr. Holborow, New Zealand could also give a considerable fillip to second Green Revolution in India, and this could be observed from the point of view of “investment prism”. Hinting at the traditional investment trend following trade, he contended for a more relaxed trade environment which would allow, in the beginning, more items from New Zealand in India.
“This will then give the New Zealand community confidence to take an investment stand in the area, whether that is cold storage, or transport or research and development. In return, there is a lot of potential for India to do more in the New Zealand market, and that would also be facilitated.”
As per other areas of cooperation are concerned, he added “For people who would look for education for their children overseas — middleclass people who still want the highest quality education — New Zealand is a very good choice because the cost is considerably lower than it is in the U.K. or the U.S.”
While talking about the “broad-based” education system of New Zealand, he told: “We do have strengths in international agricultural research. In this field, we have the leading institutions in the world.” However, in the fields of medicine and dentistry as well, educational institutions of New Zealand offer competitive scenario as any other best institute of the world.
He also said that New Zealand abounds in a lively Indian-origin community. He further explained “The Indian community in New Zealand is 120,000 on a population of 4 million. It is our second-largest ethnic community of Asian extraction after China. Immigration continues to flow at a fairly steady rate, and we have a points system”. Many Members of Parliament and New Zealand Head of State have Indian roots, and this also hints at the consolidation of the community with New Zealand.
As per regional advancement is concerned, he said: “India is very actively and successfully developing a ‘look-east’ policy.”
This is inclusive of the East Asia Summit. On this, New Zealand is acting “very closely and collaboratively with India.”
The Hindu
December 11, 2009
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