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India, New Zealand Discuss Defense Ties, Indo-Pacific

The talks between the two also focused on several regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific….reports Asian Lite News

New Zealand’s Vice Chief of Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies, called on Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East), Saurabh Kumar and discussed “further strengthening” of defence ties with India.

The talks between the two also focused on several regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific.

“New Zealand’s Vice Chief of Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies @NZDefenceForce called on Secy (East) @AmbSaurabhKumar in New Delhi today. Discussions focused on further strengthening – bilateral relations including in area of defence. Both sides exchanged views on regional issues including the Indo-Pacific,” posted MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on X.

India and New Zealand have cordial and friendly relations rooted in the linkages of Commonwealth, parliamentary democracy and the English language.

Leadership of both the countries have shown significant interest in raising all aspects of the relationship to the next level.

This is reflected in a series of high-level bilateral visits and meetings. Former PM Jacinda Ardern and PM Narendra Modi had a bilateral meeting in New York on the side lines of UNGA on 25 September 2019, during which they discussed steps to intensify political, economic, defence, security and people to people relations, according to MEA.

Both countries became independent in the same year and diplomatic representation of India was established in 1950 with the opening of a Trade Commission, which was later upgraded to High Commission. Tourism and sporting links, particularly in cricket, hockey and mountaineering, have also played a significant role in fostering goodwill between the two countries.

India is the second largest source of international students in NZ pursuing higher education in various disciplines such as information technology, hospitality, science, engineering and architecture, according to MEA. (ANI)

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India News Sport Sports

Semifinal Battle: India vs. New Zealand – A SWOT Insight

As the teams gear up for the big match, which is a repeat of their clash in the semifinal stage in 2019 at Manchester. The Black Caps defeated India four years back to reach the final of the mega event…writes B Shrikant

India and New Zealand meet in the first semifinal of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 here on Wednesday with a place in the final of the event on the line.

As the teams gear up for the big match, which is a repeat of their clash in the semifinal stage in 2019 at Manchester. The Black Caps defeated India four years back to reach the final of the mega event.

On the eve of their biggest clash in 50-overs cricket in recent history, here’s a SWOT analysis of both India and New Zealand teams:

Men’s ODI WC: SWOT Analysis of India and New Zealand ahead of their semifinal clash

INDIA

Winners of the title in 1983 and 2011, India are firm favourites on current form as they return to the venue in which they scripted a memorable triumph against Sri Lanka in the 2011 final.

Strengths

The well-balanced side at the disposal of skipper Rohit Sharma is in top form and has won a record nine games in a row to make it to the knockout round as the first-ranked team in the points table. Their batters are in great form — especially Virat Kohli (594), skipper Rohit Sharma (503 runs), Shreyas Iyer (421) and K.L Rahul (347).

The Indian bowlers have been a revelation. Despite losing pace-bowling allrounder Hardik Pandya early in the tournament, the likes of Jasprit Bumrah (17), Mohammad Shami (16), Ravindra Jadeja (16), Kuldeep Yadav (14) and Mohammad Siraj (12) have kept India on top in all their matches. Playing at home, and their fortress Wankhede Stadium too is an advantage for the semifinals.

Weaknesses

There are underlying weaknesses in the Indian side. Though Rohit Sharma has made aggressive starts, Shubman Gill has performed in patches. Kohli is the highest scorer for India, Shreyas and Rahul have done well too. But things get a bit dicey after that, Jadeja has stood tall on a couple of occasions, and Suryakumar Yadav has not been able to perform consistently, though he has struck a crucial half-century. Hardik Pandya’s absence could be felt against a strong bowling unit. Though the team has done well so far, the middle-order batting is still a matter of concern as a collective off-day for 2-3 out of the top four will leave the team totally exposed.

The team is also under tremendous pressure as everyone wants them to win the World Cup. The team is also a bit travel-weary as the hosts played nine matches at nine different venues. Though there was ample gap between the matches, constant travel does take a toll on both the body and mind.

Opportunities

The team is in a great position to go all the way to the title. What will also give them comfort is the fact that the hosts have won the title in the last three editions of the 50-over World Cup — India won at the Wankhede in 2011, co-host Australia defeated New Zealand in the 2015 final while co-host England overcame New Zealand in the 2019 final on boundary countback. Considering their form, their mastery of the home conditions and the bruised, depleted and injury-ravaged condition of opponents New Zealand, this is a great opportunity for Rohit Sharma’s team to break the World Cup knockout jinx.

Only two countries — West Indies and Australia — have gone unbeaten in winning the 50-over World Cup. India too can do it if they manage to bring their A-game to the table two more times in this World Cup. 

Threats

The jinx against New Zealand in the knockout stage is the biggest threat for hosts India. Though India had managed to beat New Zealand in a World Cup match for the first time since 2003 at Dharamsala a few weeks back, the defeat to the Black Caps in the 2019 semifinal still rankles.

But as Lockie Ferguson said in a PC on Monday, the teams are vastly different from the 2019 matchup and therefore the team that does well on that given day will win the match.

The Indians will also have to guard against the law of averages, having remained unbeaten in nine matches, they can’t be complacent and arrogate themselves into thinking they are unbeatable. There are things against which they have to be on their guard. They need to put in their best performance once again otherwise their hopes will go up in smoke.

NEW ZEALAND

Semifinalists in five successive ICC Men’s ODI World Cups, New Zealand are unfortunately still searching for their maiden title.

Strengths

When it comes to the ICC events, New Zealand have always punched above their weight. They have reached the semifinals in nine out of the previous 13 editions of the men’s 50-over World Cups. Their bits and pieces players bring a lot of skills to the field and prove a threat to any team.

In batting, Rachin Ravindra has been a great success, raking up 565 runs at a superb average of 70.62. Daryl Mitchell has provided the impetus in the middle-order and amassed 418 runs while opener Devon Conway has shone in patches and raised 359 runs so far. Spinner Mitchell Santner has been their best bowler so far, claiming 16 wickets while Trent Boult has claimed 13. Tim Southee’s return to full fitness is the three-pronged pace attack a big gain though the loss of Matt Henry to injury has left the bowling unit depleted.

Weaknesses

The team is imbalanced because of Henry’s injury and lacks a proper fifth bowler. Injuries have also impacted the batting unit with skipper Kane Williamson had battled back to fitness while so had Tim Southee. Batting is a main concern as apart from Rachin , Mitchell and Conway, the rest have not contributed much.

Losing a few early wickets, especially on a Wankhede pitch that offers some early juice, could land them in serious trouble as the middle order, barring Daryl Mitchell, has not been able to shoulder the responsibility. They have conceded some big scores — 357 against South Africa and 388 against Australia. However, things seemed to have come together in the match against Pakistan when they scored 401/6 before DLS halted them.

Opportunities

New Zealand are seeking their maiden World Cup title after finishing runner-up in the last two editions. They have a good chance against India as history is on their side — they have won five out of eight times the two teams have met in the World Cups. If Rachin Ravindra and Conway get going at the top and Mitchell provides the thrust in the middle order, the Black Caps could put the Indian bowling to the sword. Skipper Kane Williamson is due a big one since recovering from injury and the semifinal is as good an opportunity as any.

Threats

Without Matt Henry, their bowling does not look as potent as earlier. Though Tim Southee is getting up to speed and Santner is in top form, the lack of a proper fifth bowler leaves them depending on Glenn Phillips and Ravindra for 10 overs, which is as risky as it comes.

The World Cup has been a see-saw ride for the 2019 runner-up as they started with a bang by winning their first four matches. They then went off the boil and lost their next four games, starting with the four-wicket defeat to India at Dharamsala, and barely managed to make it to the semis as the last team by beating Sri Lanka while England ended Pakistan’s hopes.

But do the Black Caps have enough in them to turn their fortunes around and their third successive World Cup final?

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India News Sport Sports

South Africa Demolishes New Zealand with 190-Run Win

Batting first, South Africa posted a total of 357/4 thanks to 200-run second-wicket stand between centurions Quinton de Kock (116) and Rassie van der Dussen (133)….reports Asian Lite News

South Africa went to the top of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup points table after a dominating 190-run against New Zealand in the league stage match at here MCA Stadium on Wednesday.

Batting first, South Africa posted a total of 357/4 thanks to 200-run second-wicket stand between centurions Quinton de Kock (116) and Rassie van der Dussen (133). Later, the Proteas were boosted by a late charge from David Miller (53).

Later, Marco Jansen’s double strike lifted South Africa in the first Powerplay during New Zealand’s chase before Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada followed up with wickets of their own. Keshav Maharaj ensured that the spinners had their say and struck four times as they bundled out New Zealand for 167 in 35.3 overs to ensure a dominant win.

Chasing 358, New Zealand tried their best to go for quick runs but lost Devon Conway pretty early to a sharp catch from Aiden Markram off the bowling of Jansen. Will Young and Ravindra tried to open their arms and go for quick runs. But Jansen struck yet again in the ninth over to get Ravindra caught at fine leg. However, Gerald

Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada ensured that the built-up pressure wasn’t let off. Coetzee had Young caught behind with a peach, and Rabada had the New Zealand skipper Tom Latham caught in the covers.

Daryl Mitchell was holding the fort for the BlackCaps before he fell to Maharaj in the 19th over. He lofted one down the wicket, where he was expertly caught by Miller.

New Zealand crumbled under the pressure exerted by Proteas bowlers lost their next four for merely 43 runs. A number of lusty blows from Glenn Phillips against the run of play, who was the only half-centurion from the Kiwi setup, helped New Zealand bat till the 36th over.

Earlier, New Zealand ensured that South Africa had to work for their runs in Pune. And skipper Temba Bavuma led the way with a number of confident strokes, especially through the cover region. However, he was outdone by Trent Boult.

Then, Rassie van der Dussen and Quinton de Kock came together to take forward the Proteas batting effort. They kept the scoring rate in the higher ranges of four till the 20-over mark, with a number of aggressive shots.

There were concerned faces in the New Zealand camp, who already have a number of injuries in their numbers after Matt Henry walked back into the pavilion without finishing his sixth over. The pacer had pulled a hamstring after the third ball of the 27th over, and the remaining deliveries were completed by James Neesham.

After going at a steady pace, De Kock and van der Dussen picked pace after the 30-over mark. They added 39 runs off the next five overs. De Kock then brought up his fourth Cricket World Cup hundred with a maximum off Neesham in the 36th over.

The Black Caps finally had their way in the 40th over, when Southee accounted for de Kock. However, this brought the dangerous Miller onto the crease. Along with van der Dussen, he added a quickfire 78 for the third wicket.

Brief scores: South Africa 357/4 ( Quinton de Kock 116, Rassie Van der Dusssen 133; Tim Southee 2-77) beat New Zealand 167 all-out in 35.3 overs (Glenn Philips 60, Keshav Maharaj 4-46, Marco Jansen 3-31) by 190 runs.

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Afghanistan India News Sport

Afghanistan Falls To Kiwi Power

Pic credits X@blackcaps

Following a precise display of batting in the initial innings, the Kiwis left no room for error in protecting their 288-run target…reports Asian Lite News

Tom Latham’s captaincy proved instrumental as New Zealand’s cricket team maintained their winning form in the 2023 ODI World Cup, securing a convincing 149-run victory over Afghanistan at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.

After a clinical performance with the bat in the first innings, the Kiwis made no mistake to defend the 288-run target.

In the first inning, Devon Conway and Will Young opened for the Kiwis and played a 30-run partnership. In the 6.3 overs, Mujeeb Ur Rahman dismissed Conway for 20 runs (NZ 30/1). However, Young played a solid knock of 54 runs from 64 balls.

In the first powerplay of the game, New Zealand scored 43 runs. On the Afghani bowling only picked one wicket.

The Kiwis touched the 50-run mark in 10.1 overs. Rachin Ravindra and Young made a strong partnership.

Azmatullah Omarzai picked his second wicket after he dismissed Ravindra for 32 runs from 41 balls (NZ 109/2).

Kiwi opener Young was removed by Azmatullah in the 20.6 overs (NZ 110/3). Daryl Mitchell replaced Ravindra but could not make a mark in the game. He scored only one run from seven balls and was dismissed by Rashid Khan (110/4).

In the second powerplay, New Zealand scored 142 runs. Meanwhile, Afghanistan took three wickets. The Kiwis touched the 100-run mark in the 18.1 overs of the first inning. After two quick wickets from Mitchell and Young, New Zealand skipper Tom Latham and right-handed batsman Glenn Phillips took incharge of the run rate and played a stunning partnership to give 288 runs to chase.

Phillips and Latham’s efforts helped New Zealand to cross the 200-run mark in the 42.1 overs.

Phillips made his half-century from 69 balls after playing 4 fours and 2 sixes. On the other hand, Latham slammed fifty in 67 balls after hitting two fours and no sixes.

Tom Latham’s side made 250 runs in the 46.5 overs.

Naveen Ul Haq kept a check on the run rate after he picked up two wickets in the 48th over. In the first ball, Naveen dismissed Glenn Phillips for 71 runs (NZ 254/5). On the other hand, the Afghani pacer picked up Latham’s wicket for 68 runs (NZ 255/6).

Afghanistan made a few misfields in the first inning and failed to dominate the game. The Afghani dropped four catches in the first inning.

Naveen Ul Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai picked up two wickets in the first inning. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman took one wicket each in their respective spells.

In the second inning, no Afghanistan batsmen could slam a fifty in the second inning of the game.

Matt Henry made the first breakthrough of the game in the 5.5 overs after dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 11 runs from 21 balls (AFG 27/1).

In the 6.2 overs, Trent Boult picked up Ibrahim Zadran’s wicket for 14 runs from 15 balls (AFG 27-2)

Hashmatullah Shahidi scored eight runs in the game and was dismissed in the 13.6 overs by Lockie Ferguson (AFG 43-3).

The fourth wicket came on late when Boult removed Azmatullah Omarzai from the crease for 27 runs from 32 balls (AFG 97-4).

Soon after the fourth wicket in the second inning, Afghanistan failed to hold their wickets and make a solid partnership.

Rahmat Shah was dismissed by the young Rachin Ravindra for 36 runs from 62 balls (AFG 107-5).

Mitchell Santner dismissed Mohammad Nabi for seven runs from nine balls in the 30.4 over (AFG 125-6).

In the second inning, even Rashid Khan could not stand in front of the Kiwi bowling attack. Rashid was dismissed for just eight runs from 13 balls (AFG 134-7).

Following Rashid Khan’s dismissal, the Kiwi bowling attack dominated the game. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Fazalhaq Farooqi had to leave the crease within the 34th and 35th overs.

Afghanistan’s inning ended in 34.4 overs after they scored only 139 runs.

Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson led the Kiwi bowling attack and scalped three wickets in their respective spells. Trent Boult too picked up two wickets in his seven-over spell. Meanwhile, Matt Henry and Rachin Ravindra picked one wicket each in the second inning.

Brief Score: New Zealand 245/9 (Glenn Phillips 71(80), Tom Latham 68 (74), Will Young 54 (64); Naveen-ul-Haq (2-48), Azmatullah Omarzai (2/56) vs Afghanistan 139/10 (Rahmat Shah 36 (62), Azmatullah Omarzai 27 (32), Ikram Alikhil 19* (21); Lockie Ferguson (3/19), Mitchell Santner (3/39). (ANI)

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-Top News Economy Europe

New Zealand’s Economy Shows Signs of Recovery

New Zealand continues to feel the ongoing ripples of the economic shock from the global pandemic…reports Asian Lite News

New Zealand’s economy is “turning a corner, but the challenges remain very real”, according to the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update released on Tuesday.

The country’s economy is turning the corner with projected growth meaning no recession, wages ahead of inflation, and more people in work, even as the impact of challenging global conditions and the North Island Weather Events weigh on the government’s books, Xinhua news agency quoted Finance Minister Grant Robertson as saying.

New Zealand continues to feel the ongoing ripples of the economic shock from the global pandemic.

Earlier this year, the country also experienced its second-largest natural disaster, Robertson said.

This has been reflected in the government accounts.

While core tax revenue was NZ$3.9 billion ($2.31 billion) higher than last year, it was NZ$2.9 billion behind where Treasury had forecast it to be in May’s budget, he said.

The country’s debt levels are among the lowest in the world and well below the government’s debt ceiling of 30 per cent, the Minister added. 

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-Top News UAE News

UAE, New Zealand enter preliminary talks on CEPA

Al Zeyoudi also shared updates on preparations for the World Trade Organisation’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), which will be held in Abu Dhabi in 2024…reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, has received Damien O’Connor, New Zealand’s Minister of Trade and Export Growth, in Dubai as the two nations explore deeper economic collaboration, including the pursuit of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

During the meeting, which came as part of a visit to the UAE by a delegation of New Zealand’s leading trade officials, Al Zeyoudi commended the strong relations shared by the two nations and reaffirmed the common vision to enhance cooperation across key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare.

Al Zeyoudi also shared updates on preparations for the World Trade Organisation’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), which will be held in Abu Dhabi in 2024.

The UAE and New Zealand already share a productive trade relationship, with non-oil trade reaching US$805 million in 2022, a growth of 7 percent compared to 2021 and 23 percent more than in 2020. As of 2022, the UAE is New Zealand’s leading trading partner in the Arab World, accounting for 2.5 percent of New Zealand’s total foreign trade.

Al Zeyoudi emphasised that a UAE-New Zealand CEPA would significantly boost these figures. He said, “New Zealand is a valued partner for the UAE in the Oceania region and a nation that shares our firm belief in open, rules-based trade as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth. As we seek to expand our network of trading partners, exploring a potential Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement demonstrates our commitment to delivering new markets and new opportunities for our private sector. We can now look forward to establishing the parameters of a future-facing, resilient and mutually beneficial deal.”

O’Connor, in turn, said, “These exploratory discussions are an important first step toward a trade agreement with the UAE, one of our key export destinations in the region and a valued bilateral partner for New Zealand.”

The talks follow the recent visit to New Zealand by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, and the signing of a number of bilateral agreements, including an MoU between the UAE’s Etihad Credit Export Insurance and the New Zealand Export Credit Agency on securing export credit, and an MoA on food security signed between the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

A cornerstone of the “We the UAE 2031” economic vision, which seeks to push non-oil foreign trade beyond AED4 trillion by the end of the decade, the UAE’s CEPA programme is solidifying ties with strategic allies at an accelerated pace. A total of five agreements have been signed to date, with India, Israel, Turkey, Indonesia and Cambodia, each designed to accelerate economic recovery and secure vital supply chains.

The New Zealand delegation to the UAE included Dr. Richard Kay, Ambassador of New Zealand to the UAE; Wendy Matthews, Director-General of the Trade Policy and Negotiations Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Jonathan Curr, Director-General of the Middle East and Africa Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Sean O’Brien, Press Secretary to the Minister for Trade and Export Growth; Rebecca Good, Private Secretary to Minister for Trade and Export Growth; Sammy O’Hara, Policy Officer, Trade Policy and Negotiations Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and Jessica Minehan-Fitzgerald, New Zealand Embassy Abu Dhabi.

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Sport UAE News World

UAE stuns New Zealand with Muhammad Waseem’s 55

UAE were 44/2 at the end of the powerplay thanks to Vriitya Aravind’s 21-ball 25, but Waseem was yet to take charge at that point of time….reports Asian Lite News

Skipper Muhammad Waseem led from the front with a 29-ball 55 as UAE scripted a stunning win over New Zealand in the second T20I here on Saturday to level the three-match series.

After restricting the Black Caps to 142/8 with Aayan Afzal Khan claiming 3-20 and Muhammad Jawadullah taking 2-16, the hosts rode on a superb knock by their skipper to 144/5 in 15.4 overs to win by two wickets with 26bballs to spare.

Waseem started off in a cautious manner, getting to 16 off 13 balls before going berserk. The opener slammed four fours and three sixes and raced to his fifty off just 27 balls as UAE made a strong start in pursuit of 143.

UAE were 44/2 at the end of the powerplay thanks to Vriitya Aravind’s 21-ball 25, but Waseem was yet to take charge at that point of time.

In the first over after Power-play, Waseem started to show more intent, smashing Mitchell Santner down the ground for a four and then hammering a six off Kyle Jamieson in the next over. He hit a four and a six off Cole McConchie before hoisting Santner for a six to get to his fifty off a mere 27 balls.

Waseem fell soon after his fifty, but the opening wasn’t quite enough for New Zealand to put pressure on the hosts.

Asif Khan played a mature hand in the company of Basil Hameed as the duo put on a stand that further frustrated the Kiwis. While UAE weren’t still marching to a win, that changed in the 15th over when Asif Khan hit James Neesham for two fours.

He followed it up with a six off Tim Southee in the first ball next over to put UAE on the brink of a memorable win. Two more fours followed as UAE celebrated a remarkable win, their first T20I win over a Test-playing nation other than Ireland and Afghanistan.

Earlier, New Zealand once again lost early wickets as Tim Seifert fell in the third over and Aayan Khan picked up the wickets of Mitchell Santner, promoted to No.3, and Dane Cleaver off back-to-back deliveries.

Mark Chapman stood tall for the visitors even as the UAE bowlers chipped away at the other end. Chapman made 63 off 46 balls and was only dismissed in the final over, but aside from Neesham’s 17-ball 21, he hardly found any support.

The par total of 142, their lowest against a non-Test playing nation, wasn’t quite enough to put off a spirited UAE side.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 142/8 in 20 overs (Mark Chapman  63; Aayan Afzal Khan 3-20, Muhammad Jawadullah 2-16) lost to United Arab Emirates 144/2 in 15.4 overs (Muhammad Waseem 55, Asif Khan 48 not out; Tim Southee 1-32). by 2 wickets.

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-Top News India News World News

India and New Zealand review bilateral engagements

Regional and multilateral matters, including India’s Presidency of the G-20, Indo-Pacific, ASEAN, Commonwealth and UN were discussed…reports Asian Lite News

India and New Zealand, sharing cordial bilateral relations, expressed satisfaction at the enhanced engagement between the two countries during their fifth round of Foreign Office Consultations in Wellington on Saturday.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, during the FOCs, the two countries reviewed their wide-ranging bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade, defence, education, science, and technology, as well as people-people links and cultural cooperation.

Regional and multilateral matters, including India’s Presidency of the G-20, Indo-Pacific, ASEAN, Commonwealth and UN were discussed, the MEA said.

The two sides noted the huge potential in trade and economic sectors and agreed to further promote G2G and B2B interactions. They appreciated the several business events planned both in India and New Zealand, the Ministry added.

At the FOC, while India was led by Secretary East in the MEA, Saurabh Kumar, New Zealand side was represented by Deborah Geels, Deputy Secretary, Americas and Asia Group.

Both sides also appreciated the importance of FOC and agreed to hold them on a regular basis. The next FOC will be held in India on mutually convenient dates.

As per the MEA, during his visit to Wellington, Secretary East Saurabh Kumar also held bilateral meetings with New Zealand’s Chief Executive and Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Chris Seed and Secretary of Defence Andrew Bridgman.

India is New Zealand’s 11th largest two-way trading partner with total two-way trade valued at $1.55 billion during 2121. While India imports logs, forestry products, wood pulp, wool and fruits and nuts from New Zealand, its export basket to the island nation consists of pharmaceuticals, precious metals and gems, textiles and motor vehicles, non-knitted apparel and accessories.

India-New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) and New Zealand- India Trade Alliance (NZITA) are the two prominent organizations working to promote India-New Zealand trade and investment relations.

The ‘India-New Zealand Business Summit’ organized by INZBC in partnership with the Indian High Commission is its annual flagship event drawing participation from the highest level of leadership in government, business and academia from both countries to deliberate on ways and means of strengthening bilateral trade and investment.

All major Indian IT companies are present in New Zealand. Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and New India Assurance have commercial operations in New Zealand. Indian IT giant HCI, which already has a significant presence in New Zealand, opened a delivery centre in Hamilton to service Fonterra, one of the world’s biggest dairy cooperatives. In 2020, it won $ 20 million annual contract from Fonterra.

In October 2020, Tech Mahindra announced the acquisition of Melbourne based consulting company Tnzing Ltd for $ 29.5 million. In October 2016, Zindia Limited (the largest exporter of New Zealand logs to India) signed a MoU with Adani Port and SEZ Limited to promote a Timber Industrial Park at Mundra Port in Gujarat.

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-Top News Woman World News

New Zealand to bridge gender pay gap

Over 1 mn sanitary product packs delivered to schools in NZ this yr

This move is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to make New Zealand an equitable and desirable place for people to live, work, and do business…reports Asian Lite News

The New Zealand government continues to close the gender pay gap by further promoting pay transparency, Minister for Women Jan Tinetti said on Friday.

Around 900 entities nationwide with more than 250 employees will be required to publicly report their gender pay gap, and after four years, this will increase to almost 2,700 entities with more than 100 workers, Xinhua news agency quoted the Minister as saying.

“The reality is that women have different experiences in the workplace than men, and change is needed,” Tinetti said, adding that requiring companies to publish their gender pay gap will encourage them to address the drivers of those gaps and increase transparency for workers.

This move is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to make New Zealand an equitable and desirable place for people to live, work, and do business, she said.

The Minister noted that New Zealand needs to stay in line with international standards to attract highly skilled women.

Associate Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Priyanca Radhakrishnan said the government will also explore the inclusion of ethnicity in pay gap reporting as Maori, Pacific peoples and other ethnic groups often face the compounding impact of both gender and ethnic pay gaps.

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-Top News Australia World News

New Zealand, Australia PMs meet, celebrate close ties

It was the fifth time the two Prime Ministers met in seven months….reports Asian Lite News

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese met here on Wednesday for their first annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting and the celebration of several anniversaries.

The meeting took place as both countries celebrate the 40th anniversary of Closer Economic Relations (CER), the 50th anniversary of the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, and the 80th anniversary of diplomatic representation, said a New Zealand government statement.

“It was great to meet again with Prime Minister Albanese to celebrate our closest international relationship, mark this special year of anniversaries and work towards an even better future,” Xinhua news agency quoted Hipkins as saying.

It was the fifth time the two Prime Ministers met in seven months.

The Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting is their annual opportunity to “assess and set priorities for the relationship for the following year”, Hipkins said.

Wednesday saw an agreement to put together a joint Australia-New Zealand expert group, with a clear deadline of 12 months, to “scope initiatives to move closer towards seamless travel across the Tasman”, the statement said.

Measures would be adopted to help trans-Tasman businesses and tourism with a simplified border, without compromising security, it said, adding the expert group will report back by the end of June 2024.

The two sides also discussed issues of economic cooperation, trade, and climate change, among others.

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