New Zealand is ready to ease work-visa rules for India but is looking at market access for dairy, wine and apples. They want to have bigger market access for its dairy products, apples, kiwis and wine into India. This point was major part of the ongoing Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) pact being negotiated by 16 countries.
India is not happy with what RCEP member countries including the 10-member ASEAN, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia have offered so far. The Agriculture Ministry is not in favour of liberalisation of the dairy sector for most RCEP members. New Zealand’s demands are being considered seriously because the country exports mostly premium products which are not produced in India. In return for their demands, they are agreeing to ease the New Zealand ETA Visa rules for the Indians.
An Indian government official said Ministry is considering a tariff rate quota basis access to keep a check on the quantity of imports of skimmed milk powder and whole milk powder as it’s produced in abundance in India.
Sensitive items for economy like apples and wine have been extended protection in all the FTAs signed so far. India may have trouble offering greater market access on these items. Both country officials are exploring ways for increased cooperation between the two countries. As both are members of the Commonwealth digital trade, bilateral business-to-business interaction, finance, infrastructure and SMEs are the areas of focus.
