New Zealand’s Parliament has passed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, prime minister Christopher Luxon said on Wednesday, calling the move a “landmark” deal, which will ensure more jobs and higher income for ‘Kiwis’.
“People told me a Free Trade Agreement with India wasn’t possible. Well, today that deal passed its final vote in Parliament. It’s happening. This landmark deal means more jobs, higher incomes for Kiwis. It means more New Zealand products being sold in India by opening the door to 1.4 billion Indian consumers,” he wrote in a post on X.
“It’s one of the ways we will grow the economy to help you get ahead – fixing the basics and building the future.”
The FTA was cleared with lawmakers voting 93-29 in favour of the legislation, taking the bilateral trade pact closer to implementation. The bill was passed with the support of the ruling National Party and the main opposition Labour Party, securing a clear majority in Parliament, news agency ANI reported.
The FTA was signed by India and New Zealand on April 27.
“The India FTA opens the door for Kiwi exporters to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies,” Trade Minister Todd McClay said in Wellington. “Parliament today overwhelmingly backed the long-term benefits the agreement will deliver for all New Zealanders,” according to Bloomberg.
