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Auckland, Monday, April 3, 2017
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has sought the support of the Central government to develop the country’s largest City.
Members of the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) had an opportunity to meet Mr Goff at their meeting held on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the Auckland Institute of Studies.
He spoke on a wide range of topics including Indo-Kiwi relations and the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.
Auckland Issues
Mr Goff apprised the members on the ongoing development of Auckland, including public transport initiatives, specially from the Auckland Airport to the Central Business District.
“As Auckland is New Zealand’s only worlds-class city, the Central government should also meet a part of the cost of the development,” he said.
“To keep this City world-class and pollution free, we need to take steps for making public transport more feasible and extensive,” he said.
Speaking about education, Mr Goff said that the focus should be on student quality and not quantity. He said that in the recent episode of international students from India, the concerned agents should also own responsibility.
The Indian Bond
Mr Goff said that New Zealand and India have a lot in common, but our country is yet to achieve the potential in trade.
“The economies of Asia are among the most dynamic in the world and India, with the second highest population, is the fastest growing economy in the world. We must improve our trade with India, although a Free Trade Agreement will take time,” he said and emphasised the importance of achieving an understanding on tariffs.
“New Zealand is the producer of finest wines but we are not the leaders because we lag on tariff issues,” he said.
He said that there was a need to connect the two countries with direct airlink.
INZBC Head of Government Relations Wenceslaus Anthony said that his organization has been working closely with the Auckland Council to promote the City as a business hub.
Treasurer Bhav Dhillon said that the Central and Local governments should work together in accentuating the growth of Auckland, which will have a positive impact on the economy of the country.
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Photo Caption: Phil Goff with Indian Newslink Managing Director Jacob Mannothra at the
