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New Zealand opposition to support India free trade deal

On Thursday, the New Zealand Labour Party announced it will support the free trade agreement with India, providing the parliamentary majority needed to pass the legislation.
The trade pact eliminates or reduces tariffs on 95% of New Zealand's exports to India, with National and ACT requiring Labour's backing because New Zealand First refused to support the measure.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins said the $20 billion investment target over 15 years is "very unrealistic," warning businesses to "go into this with their eyes wide open."
Securing the agreement's passage, Hipkins obtained government commitments to prioritize the Modern Slavery Bill and fund at least 14 additional labour inspectorate staff, plus faster visa processing.
Trade Minister Todd McClay will travel to New Delhi on Monday to sign the agreement, following an open letter from exporters last week urging cross-party support.

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Businesses unconcerned about consequences of NZ failing to uphold its end of the India FTA

Business representatives are welcoming Labour’s decision to back the free-trade agreement the Government is due to sign with India on Monday. They don’t...

5 days ago·Auckland, New Zealand

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Times

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Labour to support India free-trade agreement

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins. File photo supplied The Labour Party has announced it will support the free-trade agreement between New Zealand and India, but it’s warning businesses to proceed at their own risk and do their own due diligence. “New Zealand businesses need to go into this with their eyes wide open,” Labour leader Chris Hipkins says. “The deal cuts tariffs, and increases market access for New Zealand exporters, and that’s very …

5 days ago

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Otago Daily Times

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Labour to support India free trade deal

Labour leader Chris Hipkins. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone RNZ Parliamentary reporters The Labour Party has confirmed it will support the India-NZ free trade deal, giving National and ACT the required numbers to pass it through Parliament.

5 days ago·Otago, New Zealand

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RNZ

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Chris Hipkins announces Labour will back India free trade deal

Chris Hipkins says his party will help National pass the free trade agreement, but admits parts are "almost impossible". The NZ First leader says it's "madness".

5 days ago·New Zealand

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