New Zealand's Chambers Of Commerce Network Calls On Parliament To Pass The India Free Trade Agreement

New Zealand's Chambers of Commerce, representing thousands of businesses in communities from Northland to Southland, are calling on all parliamentary parties to support the India Free Trade Agreement.

The New Zealand Chambers of Commerce represents 30 chambers across the country, making it one of the most geographically diverse business networks in New Zealand.

Leeann Watson, CEO of Business Canterbury, said the FTA addresses barriers that have been costing New Zealand exporters for years.

"India is the fastest growing G20 economy and is on track to become the world's third largest economy by 2030, and is a market deeply aligned with both our traditional and some of our fastest growing sectors. This represents a significant opportunity for businesses across New Zealand to grow. Opportunities like this are rare — we urge all parties across Parliament to get in behind backing our business community and our economy through the ratification of the New Zealand-India FTA."

The agreement addresses barriers that have long held New Zealand exporters back. High tariffs, regulatory hurdles and inconsistent market access have been real costs to businesses. The FTA delivers change across key goods sectors including horticulture, meat, seafood and wine, as well as financial services, professional services and digital trade and while it is not perfect, it is a significant step forward.

India is currently New Zealand's twelfth largest goods and services export market. Demand for New Zealand exports there is only heading in one direction. The FTA delivers tariff reductions across a range of New Zealand's key export sectors and provides businesses with a more predictable and accessible path into the Indian market.

Karla Lee, CEO of Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce, said businesses across the region are already committed to India and need government to match that commitment.

"Our members are not waiting for permission. They are already building relationships, investing in market development and working out how to grow in India. What they are telling us is that the barriers they face are policy barriers, not commercial ones. Tariff relief, regulatory recognition, improved market access — these are exactly what this agreement delivers. Parliament needs to back the businesses that are backing New Zealand."

New Zealand has maintained a strong bipartisan approach to trade across successive governments. That consistency has been a genuine competitive advantage, giving businesses the confidence to make long term investment decisions without fear that the policy ground will shift beneath them.

Ali Boswijk, CEO of Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, said that tradition is now being tested.

"For decades New Zealand has kept trade out of politics and it has served us well. Our trading partners respect us for it and our exporters rely on it. This is not the moment to walk away from that. Chambers of Commerce across this country are asking every party in Parliament to put New Zealand exporters first and pass this agreement."

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