<p>"A free trade agreement will lead to greater economic cooperation," he said, adding it would increase trade and investment opportunities for both sides.<br /><br />Sharma, who is leading a FICCI business delegation to New Zealand, said through steps like the FTA, the two countries hope to treble their mutual trade from the present level of USD 1 billion (rpt) 1 billion.<br /><br />He said the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, or CECA (the official name for the FTA), is expected to be finalised by early next year.<br /><br />Both sides have already completed four rounds of negotiations, which started in 2010.<br />An official of the India-New Zealand Business Council said that bilateral trade would get boost with the FTA, as happened between New Zealand and China after they opened trade through a similar pact. At present, Sino-New Zealand trade amounts to USD 10 billion.<br /><br />Addressing a meeting of the Indian-New Zealand Joint Business Council meeting, Sharma said the two countries can cooperate in several segments including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, dairy products, research and development, tourism and films.<br /><br />India, which has an investment potential of USD 200 billion in in the agro-processing and cold chain sectors, can utilise the expertise of New Zealand in the area, he said. "We want New Zealand participation in a greater manner in this sector... Our post harvest losses are very high," he said.<br /><br />New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser said that his country places importance on strengthening relations with India.<br /><br />Sharma is also scheduled to meet New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.</p>
<p>"A free trade agreement will lead to greater economic cooperation," he said, adding it would increase trade and investment opportunities for both sides.<br /><br />Sharma, who is leading a FICCI business delegation to New Zealand, said through steps like the FTA, the two countries hope to treble their mutual trade from the present level of USD 1 billion (rpt) 1 billion.<br /><br />He said the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, or CECA (the official name for the FTA), is expected to be finalised by early next year.<br /><br />Both sides have already completed four rounds of negotiations, which started in 2010.<br />An official of the India-New Zealand Business Council said that bilateral trade would get boost with the FTA, as happened between New Zealand and China after they opened trade through a similar pact. At present, Sino-New Zealand trade amounts to USD 10 billion.<br /><br />Addressing a meeting of the Indian-New Zealand Joint Business Council meeting, Sharma said the two countries can cooperate in several segments including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, dairy products, research and development, tourism and films.<br /><br />India, which has an investment potential of USD 200 billion in in the agro-processing and cold chain sectors, can utilise the expertise of New Zealand in the area, he said. "We want New Zealand participation in a greater manner in this sector... Our post harvest losses are very high," he said.<br /><br />New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser said that his country places importance on strengthening relations with India.<br /><br />Sharma is also scheduled to meet New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.</p>