President Pranab Mukherjee yesterday invited New Zealand investors and entrepreneurs to participate in the “Make in India” initiative.
“New Zealand has made tremendous progress in dairy development, food processing, communications and information technology, clean energy and water, disaster management, biotechnology, healthcare and services, to mention a few,” Mukherjee said in his speech during a banquet hosted in his honour by New Zealand Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae after his arrival here from Papua New Guinea earlier in the day.
“We would very much like to enhance our bilateral co-operation in these areas, learn from the successful experience and practices of New Zealand and collaborate with you in creating new and innovative products and technology,” he said.
Mukherjee said India looked forward to new partnerships with New Zealand in areas of common interest.
“We invite investors and entrepreneurs from New Zealand to join Indian counterparts in the ‘Make in India’ initiative of my government.”
The president said bilateral relations between India and New Zealand gained a new momentum since the visit of New Zealand Prime Minister John Key to India in June, 2011.
“In 2013, our bilateral trade crossed $1bn,” he said.
“However, given the relative size of our economies and the wide convergence of interests in many areas, we both agree that the present level of trade and investment needs to be vigorously advanced in order to realise its substantial potential.”
The president sought New Zealand’s cooperation in reforming the UN Security Council (UNSC) and said India stood ready to shoulder greater responsibilities in the international arena.
“In the UN Security Council, New Zealand has addressed issues of global security and highlighted the challenges faced by smaller states,” he said.
Earlier, Mukherjee and a Maori chief rubbed noses in a traditional welcome.
“Maori warriors initially greet visitor with aggression not knowing whether he is friend or foe,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted.
They then placed a fern in front of Mukherjee and asked him to pick it up if he arrived in friendship.
On being convinced that he has arrived in friendship, they asked him to follow them.
Maori men and women then sang and danced welcoming the president as a friend.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional rubbing of noses in friendship between Mukherjee and the Maori chief.
He was then received by the governor general and accorded a ceremonial welcome.