The New Zealand’s government has expressed strong support for Indian auto manufacturers and a more open trade relationship, as talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) restarted in Auckland this week.

During the latest round of FTA talks, New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay spoke about the rising visibility of Indian vehicles in his country and their growing acceptance among local consumers. “So there are all Indian brands here. Not so long ago, my father bought a new car, and it was an Indian vehicle,” McClay said, underscoring the rapid shift in perceptions about Indian manufacturing quality.

“We are a fairly open economy. We don’t manufacture cars here. Manufacturers of vehicles from India are very welcome in New Zealand,” he added, laying out the government’s

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