Trade deal with New Zealand kicks in today: Where India gains

Sensitive products such as dairy, sugar, edible oils and key agricultural commodities remain excluded from concessions

NEW DELHI: The India-New Zealand trade agreement is set to kick in from Tuesday, allowing duty-free entry for all products from the country, apart from opening the doors for professionals and investment of $20 billion. On Monday, the first-ever export of a JCB machine from India to New Zealand was flagged off by commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal, with farm products, gems and jewellery, engineering, sports goods, footwear and leather also set to sail on Tuesday, when the agreement comes into force.

"Ours is a winning partnership, both on and off the field. The success of this agreement will be measured by the opportunities it creates and the difference it makes to the lives of the people of New Zealand and India. For India, 100% duty-free access to the New Zealand market opens significant new opportunities for our exporters, particularly MSMEs, artisans, farmers, and women entrepreneurs. For our farmers, the agreement combines new opportunities with appropriate safeguards," Goyal said. "Agricultural Productivity Partnership is a key component of the Agreement, extending cooperation beyond tariff concessions to bring global technology, training and best practices to Indian farmers. It includes dedicated Action Plans for kiwifruit, apples and honey, with cooperation also extending to horticulture, forestry, livestock and fisheries," an official statement said. To protect farmers, dairy producers, fisherfolk and rural communities, sensitive products such as dairy, sugar, edible oils and key agricultural commodities remain excluded from concessions, govt said.