The growing economic, cultural, diplomatic, sporting, and tourism links between India and New Zealand were the highlight of the end-of-year celebration between the two countries organized by India Trade Alliance in Auckland on Monday.
The keynote address was delivered by the New Zealand High Commissioner designate to India, Joanna Kempkers. Speaking at her first public event to delighted ITA members, Ms. Kempkers said, The High Commissioner designate, using the analogy of an Acorn, told the audience that ‘Just like an acorn being the symbol of NZ India relationship, I would like to nurture it, feed it and see it grow like an oak tree during my tenure in Delhi’.
Earlier welcoming over 100 ITA members and stakeholders, ITA General Secretary said, “It is time for New Zealand businesses to take the Indian market seriously. While our common connections of Commonwealth, food, film and cricket are good connectors, we need to put more emphasis on the people to people connections and the doors they can open.”
New Zealand First Member of Parliament Mahesh Bindra also congratulated ITA on a very successful year and encouraged the members to stay focused and think of India as a long-term partner where results will come to those who are tenacious.
Thanking the attendees, the Co-Deputy Chairman of ITA, Dr Don Brash, said that ITA was particularly pleased that Ms Kempkers had made a gathering of ITA members and supporters her first official engagement since her appointment.
The event was hosted by PwC and attendees included the CEO of EMA and industry partner of ITA Kim Campbell, senior representatives from ANZ, BNZ, ASB, Westpac banks, government agencies including NZTE and MFAT, education institutions, arts and culture sector, exporters and importers.
Earlier in November, ITA members conveyed their confidence in the board by electing the existing board with the addition of Chandan Ohri, Managing Partner – IBM Global Business Services for New Zealand, as the Treasurer.
| A India Trade alliance rrelease | Dec 13, 2016 |
