INZBC AGM 2022 June 2022

INZBC held it’s AGM on 28 June 2022.

Apart from the regular business, the new INZBC board was announced.

We also had our strategic partners BNZ Bank and Auckland University to address our members and lay out their India plans.

July 2022

Fire side chat, by the INZBC Christchurch chapter, showcases India's potential for young kiwi entrepreneurs

With Covid numbers going down and international borders reopening, this is the best time to start looking at the Indian market for expansion and scaling up Kiwi businesses.

This was the topic of an intimate “Fire Side Chat” with Mr. David Pine, New Zealand’s High Commissioner to India and Bangladesh, and Ambassador designate to Nepal.

The India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC), Christchurch chapter hosted the session at the Ara Institute of Canterbury’s City campus on July 12.

Braving bad weather, around 15 invitees gathered to hear Mr. Pine, who took charge in August 2020 when he flew to India on a Vande Bharat flight amid the pandemic.

INZBC hosted the event to help Kiwi entrepreneurs understand the potential of the expanding Indian market.

Mr. Pine shared his assessment of the ground realities in India in terms of politics, the economy and post-covid opportunities.

It was noted that Indian markets have been resilient, making an incredible recovery after going through the worst phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, with almost all parameters of the economy crossing their pre-COVID levels.

It was recognised that there is a need for more engagement on the ground with frequent visits from either side and getting INZBC strategic partners like the Indian business associations- FICCI and CII involved to enable dialogue and learning about the market opportunities. The increased visits and exchange of information will also provide a chance to experience the market and its potential first-hand.

Some of the specific areas where India could benefit from Kiwi innovation and technology know-how are dairy, agriculture and related industries

The consensus was that there is a need to build and develop relations on the foundations of common interests that include cricket, culture, and shared history like Indian soldiers serving with ANZACs.

Mr. Pine also mentioned how the recent visits of Minister Priyanka Radhakrishnan and MP Gaurav Sharma to India have raised the profile of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.

INZBC Christchurch Head Sandeep Sharma reiterated the importance of continued dialogue and getting more young businesses on the table to exchange notes, explore potential and create an environment conducive to more trade opportunities.

Despite having 1.3 billion people, India has one of the youngest populations, with an average age of 29. India is also home to a fifth of the world’s youth population.

These young individuals foster a culture of creativity, entrepreneurship, and diversity. India believes this young population is its most valuable asset. But this also offers a huge market for entrepreneurs and businesses across the world.