India and New Zealand to Sign Customs Agreement During President Murmu’s Visit
In an effort to strengthen trade ties, India and New Zealand are preparing to sign an agreement on customs procedures, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. This agreement follows President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to New Zealand.
Focus on Farmers
MEA Secretary East, Jaideep Mazumdar, highlighted that both countries are keen on helping farmers export fruits and vegetables. He stated, “During this visit, we are signing one particular agreement on customs procedures which would certainly assist trade between the two countries and we wish to proceed step by step to see what other things we can do.”
Aspirational Free Trade Agreement
Mazumdar also mentioned that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) remains an “aspirational target” not only with New Zealand but with other countries as well. He said, “The free trade agreement is always a very aspirational target and not just with New Zealand I think for countries around the world that is the ultimate objective to enter into a free trade agreement. However, there are many things in between that can be done.”
Warm Welcome in New Zealand
Earlier, New Zealand Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro warmly received President Murmu with a traditional Maori “Powhiri” ceremony in Wellington. She was also accorded the Guard of Honour. The Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, “Energising India – New Zealand partnership! President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn warmly received by Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro of New Zealand at the Government House in Wellington. President was welcomed with a traditional Maori ‘Powhiri’ ceremony. She was also accorded Royal Guard of Honour.”
President Murmu’s Tour
President Murmu departed from New Delhi on Sunday for a six-day visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste. In the last leg of her tour, she will travel to Timor Leste at the invitation of President Jose Ramos-Horta and hold engagements on August 10.
Doubts Revealed
Customs Agreement -: A customs agreement is a deal between two countries to make it easier to trade goods by simplifying the rules and procedures at the border.
President Murmu -: President Droupadi Murmu is the President of India, which means she is the head of the country.
Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro -: Dame Cindy Kiro is the Governor General of New Zealand, which means she represents the Queen in New Zealand.
Maori ceremony -: A Maori ceremony is a traditional event performed by the Maori people, who are the indigenous people of New Zealand.
MEA Secretary East -: MEA Secretary East, Jaideep Mazumdar, is a high-ranking official in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, responsible for relations with countries in the eastern part of the world.
Free Trade Agreement -: A Free Trade Agreement is a deal between countries to trade goods and services with fewer restrictions, like lower taxes and simpler rules.
