Consulate General of India (CGI) Business Engagement Meeting

Professional Meeting Notes
Date: 26 May 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: Halwai Restaurant, 204 Great South Road, Papatoetoe

Organised & Facilitated By:

Auckland Indian Retailers Association (AIRA)

In coordination with the Office of the Consulate General of India (CGI), Auckland

Purpose of the Meeting

The meeting was organised by AIRA in coordination with the Office of the Consulate General of India (CGI) to facilitate direct engagement between His Excellency Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India, and retailers, importers, exporters, and business owners from the Indian business community in New Zealand.

The purpose of the session was to discuss opportunities arising from the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (NZ–India FTA), understand challenges faced by retailers and business owners in trading with India, encourage stronger trade and commercial relationships between New Zealand and India, and provide a platform for businesses to directly engage with the CGI Office regarding trade-related issues, guidance, and support.

Opening Remarks

The meeting commenced with a welcome address by Mr Rajesh Goel, President of AIRA, who warmly welcomed His Excellency Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, members of the CGI Office, attendees, retailers, and business representatives.

Mr Goel acknowledged the importance of the engagement and thanked the CGI Office for proactively reaching out to the business community and creating a platform for open dialogue around trade and business opportunities with India.

Following the welcome address, Mr Kunal Bhalla briefly addressed the gathering and appreciated the initiative taken by the Government of India and the CGI Office in directly engaging with overseas Indian businesses.

Mr Bhalla noted that overseas business communities often feel unsupported by institutions in their home country compared with other nations. However, this initiative demonstrated a proactive effort by India to encourage and support international business engagement. He encouraged retailers and business owners to utilise the opportunity and actively participate in what could become a significant phase of growth under the NZ–India FTA framework.

Address by the Consul General of India

Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India, delivered the keynote address and outlined the purpose of the visit and engagement with the business community.

Key Points Highlighted by Dr. Sethi

• Current bilateral trade between New Zealand and India is estimated between NZD $3.1 billion and $4 billion.
• Vietnam was referenced as a successful example of how stronger trade partnerships can rapidly increase market participation and business opportunities.
• India is seeking to encourage new businesses and traders to participate directly in trade opportunities under the NZ–India FTA.
• The CGI Office is available to support businesses requiring guidance, facilitation, trade-related assistance, and connections with relevant agencies and authorities.

Dr. Sethi highlighted several sectors where significant trade opportunities exist, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, fisheries, natural health products, hospitality products, manufacturing, and other export/import sectors.

He further advised that the CGI Office could provide businesses with lists and information relating to products and sectors covered under the NZ–India FTA.

Dr. Sethi also noted that approximately NZD $40 million worth of bilateral trade already exists in dairy-related products between New Zealand and India.

Business Discussions and Issues Raised

Gold and Jewellery Trade Concerns

Mr Gurmeet Singh (“Happy”) from Sparkles Jewellers raised concerns on behalf of gold merchants and jewellery retailers in Papatoetoe regarding difficulties in dealing directly with Indian markets compared with destinations such as Dubai and Singapore.

Key Concerns Raised Included

• High and inconsistent customs duties
• Complicated customs procedures
• Lack of streamlined systems for temporary movement of gold
• Exchange rate and payment-related challenges
• Difficulties transporting gold for jewellery manufacturing and returning with finished products

It was noted that businesses preferred dealing with Dubai and Singapore due to their simpler and more transparent systems.

Retailers expressed interest in improved facilitation mechanisms, recognised agency processes, easier customs handling procedures, and simplified temporary import/export systems for gold and jewellery products.

Mr Gurdeep Singh, General Secretary of AIRA and representative of Pooja Jewellers, added that systems may already exist within India, particularly in centres such as Surat and Jaipur. However, there is insufficient awareness and clarity amongst businesses and authorities involved in the process.

In response, Dr. Sethi acknowledged the concerns and advised that the matter was an important learning point. He stated that the CGI Office would further study the issue, organise discussions with customs and commerce-related authorities, and provide additional guidance.

Mr Rajesh Goel noted that businesses can now make payments directly in Indian Rupees (INR) rather than solely through US Dollar transactions. However, Mr Gurdeep Singh clarified that this flexibility may not currently apply effectively within the gold trade sector.