In a significant move to bolster bilateral ties, the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) Summit titled “India & New Zealand – a relationship ready for its next phase” was recently held in Delhi, India. The summit, convened during a delegation visit, served as a vital platform for exchanging ideas and insights about the growing relationship between the two countries.
The conference kicked off with Michael Fox, Chair of INZBC, setting the event’s tone. His address was closely followed by the distinguished H.E. David Pine, New Zealand High Commissioner to India, who shared his valuable perspectives on the evolving India-New Zealand relationship. Jay Changlani, Treasurer of INZBC, introduced the summit’s first session, paving the way for a series of insightful panel discussions. The first panel, focusing on“India’s Growth Odyssey and Global Partnerships,” featured Uday Bhaskar, Director General of Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India, Gaurav Mathur, Global COO at Areteans and Amit Gupta, SG & Global Trustee, TiE. Chandan Ohri of Duco Consultancy moderated the discussion, which centred around India’s ascent in global economics and the importance of international cooperation.
The second panel, led by Scott Tasker, Chief Customer Officer of Auckland Airport and Jitendra Singh, Vice President & Head Airline Marketing & Route Development at Delhi International Airport Ltd and moderated by Gregg Wafelbakker, General Manager Asia at Tourism New Zealand delved into “Fortified Connectivity Between India and New Zealand.” They discussed the far-reaching impacts of enhanced airlinks, touching on tourism, cultural exchange, economic growth, and stronger bilateral ties.
A keynote address by Shri Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Indian Prime Minister, was a highlight. Sanyal offered deep insights into India’s economic journey and its potential for increased global collaborations, positioning India as anew emerging superpower on the global stage.
In the third panel, “Growing with India - Insights from New Zealand Companies,”Anit Nair, National Sales &Marketing Manager at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Arun Parasnis, Managing Director of Rakon, Himanshu Arora, Head of APAC South at Zespri International and Anna Campbell, Co-Founder of Zestt Wellness shared their experiences and advice on navigating India’s market. Graham Rouse, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Trade Commissioner for India moderated the session.
The fourth panel, moderated by Rohit Anand, Director at REDSTONE VENTURES LTD featured Wayne Brown, Mayor of Auckalnd, Brett O’Riley, CEO, EMA, Simon Bridges, CEO, Auckland Chamber of Commerce and Catherine Beard, Director of Advocacy, ExportNZ. They discussed “Enhancing Collaboration for Mutual Growth,”focusing on strategies for effective partnership and leveraging regional strengths. The summit concluded with a MoU signing, symbolising a commitment to collaborative initiatives between India and New Zealand.
Vikram Gera, Chairperson of IOBA, and Michael Fox, Chair of INZBC, signed the agreement, highlighting their shared dedication to advancing common goals. Earl Rattray, Director of Dairy Link and an esteemed INZBC Board Member, delivered the closing remarks. He extended a vote of thanks to all participants, emphasising the pivotal role of collaboration in fostering progress in India-New Zealand relations.
