India, New Zealand FTA Expected April 24: USD 20 Billion Investment, 5,000 Visas

• India and New Zealand are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 24, aiming for USD 20 billion in investment over 15 years.
• The pact targets doubling bilateral trade to USD 5 billion in five years, offering tariff-free access for Indian goods in New Zealand.
• India will gain zero-duty market access on 100% of its exports, while New Zealand will see tariffs eliminated or reduced on 95% of its exports to India, excluding sensitive dairy and agricultural products.
• New Zealand will provide 5,000 annual temporary employment visas for Indian professionals in skilled occupations, including AYUSH practitioners, IT, and healthcare.
• Bilateral merchandise trade was USD 1.3 billion in 2024-25, with total goods and services trade reaching USD 2.4 billion in 2024.

Key Questions Answered

What are the key benefits for Indian professionals?

Indian professionals can benefit from AI upskilling and emerging technologies, with companies like Deloitte planning to hire 50,000 new professionals focusing on these areas.

Will this agreement boost India's global trade standing?

Yes, the agreement is expected to boost India's global trade standing by strengthening its economy and expanding market access for MSMEs.