The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will strengthen Telangana’s pharmaceutical and textile industries and create employment opportunities, particularly in labour-intensive sectors, said Dr. Sampath Kumar, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade. With the Agreement coming into force on October 20, 2026, Indian exports to New Zealand will become duty-free, opening up new export opportunities across several sectors.

Marking the implementation of the agreement, a consignment of agri-food products from Telangana was flagged off by Dr. Sampath Kumar at the TIF-MSME Green Industrial Park, Dandu Malkapur, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sampath Kumar described zero-duty access across all tariff lines for Indian exports as a unique feature of the Agreement. He explained that tariffs on textiles, clothing, leather and footwear, previously as high as 10 per cent, and those on pharmaceuticals and several other sectors, previously up to 5 per cent, would be eliminated. Other sectors expected to benefit include marine products, agricultural products, plastics, chemicals and electrical goods.

Highlighting the significance of the Agreement for Telangana, he said Hyderabad’s pharmaceutical industry and the State’s textile sector were well positioned to benefit from expanded trade opportunities, supporting industrial growth and employment generation.

Officials from DGFT, APEDA and the State Government participated in the event.

 

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