The Hindu Business Line : NZ eyes export of dairy, meat products to India

The New Zealand Government has brought about some changes in the education system and also offers flexibility for students who are allowed to work. This is complimented by the permission for the spouse to work.

Hyderabad , Sept. 6

The New Zealand Trade Commissioner, Mr Paul Vaughan, said that country's industry was keen to export value-added dairy products such as ice creams and famous meat, provided the Indian Government agrees to allow them by changing norms.

He was hopeful that India may take a favourable decision by the end of this year.

They would not compete in areas where Indian farmers are present.

These products are not allowed now, based on issues relating to some health concerns.

Speaking to Business Line here on Wednesday, Mr Vaughan said, "We have been in discussions in India to allow sale of certain value-added products that conform to global norms."

On a visit to Hyderabad to take part in The New Zealand Education Fair, Mr Vaughan said the total export and import from New Zealand are on par.

Apart from these products, IT and wood products have emerged as important export items from New Zealand and in turn Indian jewellery finds buyers back there.

Coal too has emerged as an important export item from New Zealand.

Two Gujarat-based companies have set up facilities there to bring coal to India. With more Indian power producers looking at imported coal option, this could also emerge as a big opportunity.

EDUCATION FAIR

"We are a small country, and the current exports are about $350 million (New Zealand), and this could potentially go up if the import of other products particularly food items and dairy products were to be allowed," he explained.

Mentioning about the education opportunities in New Zealand, Mr Vaughan said increasingly, Indian students were opting to take to higher education in disciplines such as engineering, biotechnology and nanotechnology.

The New Zealand Government has brought about some changes in the education system and also offers flexibility for students who are allowed to work.

This is complimented by the permission for the spouse to work. In addition, universities and research institutions are keen to attract researchers to New Zealand and have brought down the fee to be on par with the fee structure for local students.

The balance is met by the Government funding.

The Air New Zealand too pitches in with attractive airfares for students and their spouses.