Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade | 195 Lambton Quay, Private Bag 18 901, Wellington 5045, New Zealand
Ph +64 4 439 8000, | Email:info at mfat.govt.nz
New Zealand – India Free Trade Agreement/Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement
Treaty Type:
Bilateral/Plurilateral
Common Name:
Common name: New Zealand – India FTA
Responsible Department:
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Administering Department:
Treaty Summary:
New Zealand and India undertook a Joint Study into the feasibility of an FTA or CECA (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement) in 2007-2008. That study recommended that the parties proceed to launch FTA negotiations. The New Zealand Cabinet approved this in March 2009 and the Indian Government did so in February 2010. Past rounds have included negotiations on:
- Goods Market Access
- Services
- Investment
- Rules of Origin
- Technical Barriers to Trade
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
- Trade Remedies
- Customs Cooperation and Procedures
- Legal and Institutional Issues (such as Dispute Settlement)
NZ Adherence Status:
In Progress
Negotiation Status:
New Zealand and India are negotiating a free trade relationship through two tracks: the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The last formal round of negotiations in the bilateral New Zealand - India FTA took place in Delhi on 17-18 February 2015. The way forward for the bilateral negotiations subsequently has been unclear, although informal meetings of Lead Negotiators occurred throughout 2015 and 2016 to try and reach common ground on a path forward to conclusion.
During former Prime Minister John Key’s visit to India in October 2016, he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a Joint Statement. This included a commitment to continue to work towards a high-quality, comprehensive and balanced bilateral Free Trade Agreement, which would deliver meaningful commercial outcomes to both sides. At this stage, however, progress will depend on what India is prepared to bring to the table.
Organisation:
Is Signed By NZ:
No
Signature Date:
Ratified or Signed:
No
Requires Ratification:
No
NZ Territorial Applications:
None
Information about required Legislation:
Impacts on Maori:
As with other New Zealand Free Trade Agreements, New Zealand will seek a specific provision, the Treaty of Waitangi exception clause, which would protect the Government's ability to adopt policies that fulfil its obligations to Māori, including under the Treaty of Waitangi. Māori interests in agriculture, forestry and fisheries are likely to benefit from tariff elimination in areas of export interest. The potential for these negotiations has been discussed with representatives from the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA). Contact will be maintained with FOMA and other Māori bodies identified as having a likely interest in the negotiations.
Impacts on Stakeholders:
Public submissions were invited in March 2009 following announcement of agreement in principle to commence negotiations, subject to completion of each partner’s requisite approval processes. Following agreement in January 2010 to the formal commencement of negotiations, a further invitation for public submissions was made. Regular updates on the negotiations are posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website as well as an invitation for stakeholders to contact negotiators with any trade concerns that they would like addressed in the FTA. Regular consultations are being held with business and other stakeholders. Negotiators welcome input from all interested groups.
Link To Legislation:
Treaty Text Link:
Contact Information:
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