Keralam Flags Off One of India’s First Export Consignments under India–New Zealand FTA

The Office of the Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Kochi, organised a flagging-off ceremony today to mark the dispatch of Kerala’s first export consignment under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The consignment, comprising spices sourced from Kerala, was exported by Synthite Industries Pvt. Ltd. to New Zealand. The shipment is also among the first consignments from India in preparation for the implementation of the landmark trade agreement.

The India–New Zealand FTA was signed on 27 April 2026, ratified by both countries on 21 September 2026, and is scheduled to enter into force on 20 October 2026, opening new opportunities for Indian exporters through enhanced market access.

The programme was attended by Dr. T. Tiju, Commissioner of Customs; Shri Hassan Usaid N.A., Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade, Kochi; Shri Rajeev, Assistant Director, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO); officials from the Bureau of Immigration, Customs and DGFT; and representatives of Synthite Industries Pvt. Ltd., among others.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. T. Tiju, Commissioner of Customs, emphasised the importance of strengthening Kerala’s exports and promoting export-led economic growth. He highlighted the complementarities between Kerala’s export strengths and opportunities in the New Zealand market, particularly for spices and food products. He also noted that India’s current share in the New Zealand market is around 1.5%, underscoring the significant potential to expand India’s presence through effective utilisation of the FTA.

Shri Hassan Usaid N.A., Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade, highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement in diversifying India’s trade partnerships and expanding export opportunities. He referred to the agreement’s significance in the context of India’s withdrawal from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and stressed the need for Indian businesses to make greater use of the benefits available under India’s existing FTAs.

Shri Rajeev, Assistant Director, FIEO, emphasised the need to create greater awareness among exporters about the benefits and provisions of free trade agreements, enabling them to identify opportunities and improve their access to international markets.

Immediately before the flagging-off ceremony, Dr. T. Tiju and Shri Hassan Usaid N.A. presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Synthite Industries Pvt. Ltd. in recognition of the company’s pioneering role as the first exporter from Kerala under the India–New Zealand FTA and its continued efforts towards strengthening India’s economic presence in international markets.

The programme culminated in the ceremonial flagging off of the consignment by Dr. T. Tiju, Shri Hassan Usaid N.A. and Shri Rajeev. The milestone highlights Kerala’s export potential and the importance of proactive engagement by exporters in leveraging India’s trade agreements to access new markets.

The initiative reaffirms the commitment of the Office of the Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Kochi, to promoting exports from Kerala, facilitating greater utilisation of FTAs and supporting the State’s export-led economic growth.

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