The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged Indian exporters, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to explore business opportunities under the recently implemented India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Speaking on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Sanjay Budhia, Chairman of the CII National Committee on Exports and Managing Director of Patton International Ltd., encouraged businesses to engage directly with New Zealand buyers, understand product-specific rules of origin and make use of government support schemes such as the Export Promotion Mission.
According to the report by PTI published in The Hindu, Budhia also highlighted New Zealand's potential role as a gateway to wider Oceania and Pacific Island markets.
CII Highlights Opportunities for Exporters
The CII's advice focuses on helping Indian businesses identify potential customers and understand the requirements for accessing the New Zealand market under the trade agreement.
Engaging with buyers can help exporters assess demand, understand purchasing requirements and build commercial relationships. For MSMEs, which may have fewer resources for international market development, identifying suitable buyers and understanding trade conditions can be important steps in expanding beyond the domestic market.
However, the benefits available to a particular business will depend on the products it exports and the specific provisions applicable to those goods under the agreement.
Why Rules of Origin Matter Under the FTA
One of Budhia's key recommendations was for exporters to check the product-specific rules of origin applicable under the agreement.
Rules of origin determine whether a product qualifies as originating from a particular country and can therefore receive preferential tariff treatment under a trade agreement. Eligibility may depend on factors such as where the product was manufactured, the materials used and the processing carried out.
Exporters should not assume that every product automatically qualifies for preferential treatment. Businesses need to review the applicable requirements and ensure that their documentation supports any claim for benefits under the FTA.
Understanding customs requirements, product eligibility and potential import-duty implications can help businesses plan international shipments more effectively.
Export Promotion Mission Could Support Market Expansion
Budhia also encouraged exporters to leverage schemes such as the Export Promotion Mission to maximise opportunities under the trade agreement.
For MSMEs considering international expansion, government support programmes may be relevant when evaluating export development, market access and business expansion requirements. Companies should check the applicable scheme guidelines, eligibility conditions and available assistance before making commercial decisions.
Exporters may also need to assess logistics, pricing, payment arrangements and destination-market requirements when preparing to enter a new market.
New Zealand as a Gateway to Oceania and Pacific Island Markets
Beyond direct trade with New Zealand, Budhia highlighted the country's potential to serve as a gateway to the wider Oceania and Pacific Island markets.
This presents a broader market-development consideration for Indian businesses exploring international growth. Establishing relationships with New Zealand buyers could help exporters understand regional demand and identify possible commercial connections beyond a single destination.
However, access to other markets involves separate trade rules, customer requirements and regulatory conditions. Businesses should evaluate each target market individually rather than assuming that the India–New Zealand agreement applies across the wider region.
Companies planning international expansion may also benefit from reviewing their import duty support requirements to better understand customs-related considerations associated with cross-border trade.
What Indian Exporters Should Do Next
CII's recommendations point to several practical steps for businesses interested in the agreement:
Connect with buyers: Identify potential New Zealand customers and assess demand for specific products.
Check rules of origin: Confirm whether goods meet the agreement's product-specific requirements.
Review export support: Examine the Export Promotion Mission and other relevant programmes for eligibility and assistance.
Assess costs: Consider logistics, documentation, pricing and customs requirements before finalising export offers.
Explore regional demand: Evaluate New Zealand and other Oceania or Pacific Island markets separately.
The CII's message is that exporters and MSMEs should take an active approach to identifying opportunities under the India–New Zealand FTA. Turning the agreement into business growth will depend on understanding its provisions, meeting applicable requirements and building sustainable relationships with overseas buyers.