India is an important market that rewards exporters who take the time to understand its diversity and build genuine, long-term partnerships.
Building on strong foundations
New Zealand’s expertise in agriculture and food production is globally recognised, and highly valued by trading partners, including India. We also share a lot in common. For example, we value our farmers and growers and the important role they play in driving our economies and we each have a strong history of developing innovative co-operatives and businesses.
New Zealand and India also bring complementary strengths. Our experience in animal health, genetics, and pasture systems, and India’s scale, innovation, and co-operative ecosystem can support capability growth on both sides.
Both countries share a long-standing agricultural partnership built on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual benefit. This co-operation was vital in securing the FTA – it enables further development of important government-to-government relationships and stronger industry links, bringing benefits and opportunities to both sides.
Diana Reaich, Associate Deputy Director-General Trade & International Relations, Ministry of Primary Industries.
Strengthening mutual expertise
Building on this foundation, the FTA establishes the Agriculture Productivity Partnership (APP) to deepen cooperation and support practical, long-term collaboration between our industries.
The APP lays a framework for joint projects that deliver tangible benefits for producers and consumers in both markets. For example, our counter-seasonal climates enable year-round supply and sustained demand for horticultural products that strengthen resilience across supply chains.
Through the APP, New Zealand and India are reinforcing our shared commitment to boosting agricultural productivity, innovation, and sustainable growth across a range of sectors.
A co-operation programme for kiwifruit, developed in partnership with industry, is already underway and has been warmly welcomed by India. Work is underway to progress similar programmes in apples and honey.
These five-year programmes will help boost technical expertise through activities such as workshops and coordinating grower visits. They’ll also help build stronger trust in each other’s systems.
Advice is close at hand
MPI is committed to supporting Kiwi exporters to succeed in India. Our Exporter Help team has recently published an “Exporting Food and Fibre to India” guide on the MPI website to help businesses navigate key exporting requirements.
Exporter Help can also provide advice on a range of topics, including export certification, overseas market requirements, and relevant New Zealand export regulations and standards.
MPI is laser-focused on playing our part to further strengthen relationships with India, boost trade, and support Kiwi businesses to succeed in this vital market.