India and New Zealand Sign Customs Cooperation Agreement

Tags: International Relations International News

India and New Zealand signed a Bilateral Customs Cooperation Arrangement to strengthen trade between the two countries.

An Overview of the News

• The agreement was formalized in Wellington on August 8, 2024, during President Droupadi Murmu's official visit to New Zealand.

President Murmu’s Three-Nation Tour:

• President Draupadi Murmu was on an official visit to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor Leste.

• Her visit to New Zealand occurred on August 8 and 9, 2024.

Diplomatic Engagements:

• President Murmu received a traditional Maori greeting in Wellington.

• She was welcomed by New Zealand's Governor General, Dame Cindy Kiro, and met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters.

• Discussions focused on exchanging best practices in traditional medicine through the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

India-New Zealand Relations:

• India established a Trade Mission in New Zealand in 1950, later becoming a High Commission. 

• As of June 2023, India is New Zealand's 15th largest trading partner, with trade valued at US$1.56 billion. 

• New Zealand exports wool, edible fruits and nuts, and forest products to India, while India exports precious metals and gems, textiles, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and non-knitted apparel to New Zealand.

About New Zealand

• Independence: From the UK in 1947

• Head of State: UK Monarch, King Charles III

• Capital: Wellington

• Currency: New Zealand Dollar

• Unique Species: Flightless bird Kiwi

• Prime Minister: Christopher Luxon