A business trip to India, organised by ANZ Bank, has generated new business for several customers who took part.
In late April ANZ took 13 New Zealand businesses, including meat, dairy, wine, fruit and juice exporters, on an eight-day trip to India – a key destination for New Zealand businesses looking to expand.
The group visited Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, and attended 109 meetings with prospective buyers, customers, business partners and Kiwi companies already working in India. Business workshops were held by ANZ India, NZTE, the New Zealand High Commissioner to India, KPMG and AZB Partners.
“The goal was to give customers a better understanding of how to do business in India and connect them with ANZ’s networks in India that will help them expand their business into this enormous market,” said Sunil Kaushal, ANZ Head of India Relations.
“Already the new connections have paid off for several customers, who have secured new orders for their produce, while others built relationships that are expected to lead to more export orders.”
For example, Heath Wilkins, of Birdhurst Ltd/Golden Bay Fruit Ltd, doubled the number of containers of apples he exports to the Indian market by cementing existing contacts and establishing new ones during the trip.
India is one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies with a burgeoning middle class that already numbers 560 million. Rapid urbanisation is changing Indian dietary habits and is creating significant demand for protein and specialty foods.
“The opportunities for New Zealand exporters are enormous. However, capitalising on the demand requires New Zealand businesses to have a good understand of India, great relationships with business partners, and a sound knowledge of the products Indians want to buy,” Mr Kaushal said.
While in India the group visited the Taj Mahal in Agra and attended an India Premier League match between the Delhi Daredevils and Mumbai Indians at the Ferozashah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi. On ANZAC Day the group attended a Dawn Service in Mumbai.
