26 March 2008
New Zealand’s Forestry Minister Jim Anderton has arrived in India to lead a trade mission focusing on the country’s fast-expanding wood and building industry, particularly housing.
“India has growing importance as a market for New Zealand products and services,” Anderton said.
He said India was New Zealand’s second-fastest growing export destination and high level visits between the two countries had increased in recent times, reflecting the importance placed on the relationship.
“The New Zealand wood industry generates NZ$3.1 billion in exports (or 3.15% of GDP),” Anderton said. “India is New Zealand’s fifth-largest export market for wood products, worth NZ$65 million in 2007. While only three percent of New Zealand’s total wood products are exported to India, it is an important and fast-growing market.
“Emphasis on protecting its native forest means India needs to import timber to meet growing demand in construction and other industries.”
While in India, Anderton opened a new NZ Trade and Enterprise office in the world’s most populous city, Mumbai. He said the new office reflected the city’s importance as a hub for western India. It acknowledged increased focus on opportunities in the region, and growing interest in this vast market from New Zealand companies.
The office would also be the primary support for Investment New Zealand programs in India.
NZ Trade and Enterprise already has an office in New Delhi.
The Forestry Minister is meeting ministerial counterparts and construction industry representatives during the seven-day visit. He returns to New Zealand on March 29.
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