In a remarkable event with bonhomie and optimism, the possibility of a trade deal at lightning speed to open up the world’s most populated – and well-protected market – was floated at an executive event with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in New Delhi.
In a day where he played street cricket with underprivileged Indian kids along with New Zealand cricketers Ross Taylor and Ajaz Patel and former Indian legend Kapil Dev, the prime minister appeared in his element.
The PM told an assembled crowd of children and cricketers that playing in the cricket was probably the highlight of his trip.
Earlier, during a one-hour event after a closed door meeting of New Zealand and Indian CEOs, the ambitions for an NZ India trade deal went from being comprehensive to being the fastest ever, to being concluded in 90 days to being concluded in 60 days. Jokingly at least.
“Let’s drive this relationship forward, and I look forward to Prime Minister Modi signing that agreement in 60 days time. Thank you very much,” Luxon said during a jovial event where the odds of a super fast free trade deal seemed to increase exponentially.
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The PM told an assembled crowd of children and cricketers that playing in the cricket was probably the highlight of his trip.
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