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©Waikato Management School July 2014

4th and 5th December, 2014, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.

3rd India-New Zealand Business Forum

3rd India-New Zealand Business Forum

4-5 December 2014

PrologueIn accordance with the MOU between the governments of India and New Zealand and the aspiration to promote trade between the two nations, the first New Zealand India Business Forum was successfully held at Hamilton, New Zealand in November, 2012. The success of the first forum led to the hosting of the second forum in December 2013 in Ahmedabad (Gujarat), India. Both forums were a platform for academics and corporate colleagues from both the countries to come together and understand the nuances of doing businesses within each other’s territories. While the two business forums held in Hamilton and Ahmedabad focused largely on channelling New Zealand investments to India and developing a better understanding of Indian markets and business practises, the 3rd forum seeks to facilitate direct trade/business contacts for exploration of mutual and reciprocal opportunities in chosen areas of commerce and economic development.

Focus and theme of 2014 ForumThe 3rd edition of the forum would focus on:

1. The current economic context impacting investment/business collaboration opportunities specifically in the areas of:

a. Information and Communication Technology

b. Food and Agribusiness

c. Tourism and Hospitality

d. Education and Research

2. Ease of business establishment in India vs. New Zealand with respect to:

a. Challenge of establishment of operations

b. Adequacy of protection of property rights

c. Taxation norms

d. Compliance regulations

3. Role of Officials and Federations of commerce to educate and encourage the corporate sector to invest in the respective nations in the chosen areas.

4. Assessment of policy initiatives and the role of government(s) to promote bi-lateral trade between India and New Zealand.

The forum will feature various key-note addresses and panel discussions to accumulate relevant current information to help progress the above themes. As an end-result of the forum a foundation document of observations/recommendations will be submitted to stakeholders to further progress matters of importance.

The sponsors of the 3rd Forum are:

• The Gujarat Law Society

• The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and

Industry

• The University of Waikato

• The India New Zealand Business Council

Broader Objectives of the Forum:

1. To develop mutual ties between organizations of similar interest as well as those willing to partner in strategic areas.

2. To help the academics and corporate leaders from both countries understand and appreciate each other’s cultural differences and the dynamics of business practices and economic policies

3. To facilitate inflow of investments to both countries in a reciprocal manner by involving trade officials and federations in a structured manner

4. To build the forum as a platform for understanding and resolving the challenges faced in doing businesses across both nations

5. To identify and where appropriate recommend policy changes to Governments to facilitate trade and investment between the two countries.