Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal holds bilateral meeting with New Zealand Trade Minister Mr. Todd Michael McClay on sidelines of WTO MC-14

**Executive Summary** This report details the high-level bilateral meeting between the Trade Ministers of India and New Zealand held on the sidelines of WTO MC-14 in March 2026. The meeting focused on reviewing preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to New Zealand and the progress toward signing a recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Key action items include finalizing a substantial list of deliverables and New Zealand hosting a high-level business delegation to strengthen economic ties. **Key Points / Main Content** **Diplomatic Relations and High-Level Visits** * Review of preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming official visit to New Zealand. * Finalization of a "substantial list of deliverables" by both nations ahead of the visit. * New Zealand confirmed it will host a high-level business delegation during the Prime Minister’s visit to bolster economic cooperation. **Trade and Sectoral Cooperation** * Review of progress regarding the signing of the recently concluded India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). * Commitment to pursuing practical cooperation outside the formal FTA framework, specifically in the sports and agriculture sectors. * Implementation of training programs for Indian farmers focused on kiwi and apple cultivation techniques. **WTO Reforms and Multilateral Agenda** * Reiteration of India’s commitment to a member-driven World Trade Organization (WTO) with reforms led by the General Council. * Exchange of views on the moratorium on customs duties regarding electronic transmissions and the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement. * Emphasis on the necessity of clarity and progress on past commitments to ensure the credibility and functioning of the WTO. **Impact Analysis** **Government of India and New Zealand Diplomats** **Impact** Responsible for the strategic alignment and finalization of international agreements and high-level visits. **Action Required** Finalize the list of deliverables for the Prime Minister’s visit and coordinate the schedule for the high-level business delegation. **Indian Agricultural Sector (Kiwi and Apple Farmers)** **Impact** Beneficiaries of bilateral knowledge-sharing and technical training initiatives. **Action Required** Engage with upcoming training programs aimed at improving kiwi and apple cultivation methods. **Business and Trade Delegations** **Impact** Enhanced opportunities for market access and economic networking through the proposed high-level business delegation in New Zealand. **Action Required** Prepare for participation in the business delegation and explore trade opportunities under the framework of the recently concluded FTA. **World Trade Organization (WTO) General Council** **Impact** Increased pressure to lead reform efforts and address specific agenda items such as electronic transmission customs duties. **Action Required** Facilitate greater member engagement to maintain a constructive reform process despite current global challenges.

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