Indians are a well-connected and flourishing community in New Zealand and can be a key link in substantially increasing the bilateral trade from the current Rs. 40 billion, said the first Sikh MP of that country.Kanwaljeet Singh Bakshi, the ruling National Party MP from New Zealand's Manukau East who was in India recently, also said that with relaxation of requirement of English-language eligibility test score in some categories, more Indians may be eager to immigrate to the Pacific Ocean nation.
"Indians form a well-connected, respected and flourishing community there. Indians first went to New Zealand 120 years ago and are now well-represented in every profession, including politics.
"We at present also have an Indian-origin Governor General - Anand Satyanand," said Bakshi, who had migrated to New Zealand in 2001.
The Delhi University commerce graduate and entrepreneur who is involved in a number of business ventures in his adopted home, feels that the 1.06 lakh-strong Indian community there can be a key link in expanding bilateral trade which at present stands at NZD 1.2 billion (Rs. 40 billion).
"India is New Zealand's eighth largest export market, up from 24th three years ago. There are emerging opportunities.
"Prime Minister John Key is serious about further strengthening the relationship between the two countries which share common linkages through the Commonwealth grouping and cricket," said the MP.
Officials said New Zealand was looking to partner with India in key industries such as agricultural technology, IT, aviation, wood and green technology.
Bakshi was in India with New Zealand Immigration Minister and Associate Tourism Minister Jonathan Coleman, who inaugurated a consulate general office in Mumbai last week.
"The new office will facilitate visa-seekers from southern states, Maharashtra and Gujarat," said Bakshi.
Asked about the controversy over a New Zealand TV show host's alleged racist remarks about Governor General Satyanand and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, the MP said these remarks were made by one particular person but those are "not the norm there".
