India, New Zealand eye $20 billion investment push with ‘single desk’ plan

India and New Zealand are set to deepen economic ties with a proposed “single desk” mechanism aimed at unlocking up to $20 billion in investment over the next 15 years, New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said on Tuesday.

Speaking to ANI, McClay said the Indian government has agreed to establish a dedicated New Zealand “single desk” to streamline regulatory clearances and accelerate investment approvals.

The move is expected to make it significantly easier for New Zealand businesses to invest in India. “The Indian government has agreed to set up a special New Zealand desk… so investments can take place much more quickly,” he said, adding that the initiative would remove bureaucratic hurdles and enhance investor confidence.

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The development comes as both countries move closer to finalising a high-quality Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to double bilateral trade within the next few years. The agreement will enable tariff-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand from day one of its implementation, offering an immediate boost to exporters.

McClay described the FTA as a “beacon” of stability at a time when global trade is increasingly marked by uncertainty and rising protectionism. “When governments decide to work together and trust each other, very good things can happen for the business community,” he noted.

Beyond trade, the partnership is also expanding into financial technology and services. McClay highlighted a recent collaboration between a New Zealand fintech firm and Axis Bank, aimed at enhancing banking reliability and service delivery in India. The firm is expected to set up a local presence and hire talent from both countries.

The minister also emphasised that the agreement goes beyond economics, strengthening people-to-people ties, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in areas such as global supply chains and logistics.

The FTA, negotiated at pace, is expected to come into force later this year, signalling a strategic shift in bilateral relations. As global trade tensions persist, both nations are positioning the agreement as a framework that reduces risk, ensures predictability, and opens new avenues for long-term economic collaboration.