India-New Zealand FTA: Free trade agreement will open opportunities abroad for Indian professionals, see what Commerce Secretary said

New Delhi. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal said the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed by India with legally binding commitments on professional services like accountants, doctors and architects will help in opening up opportunities abroad for these professionals. He said that India’s demographic dividend holds immense potential to meet the growing global demand for professional services. Aggarwal said that to harness this potential, it is important to adopt global best practices and equip professionals with advanced skills in line with the changing global market needs and technological developments.

He also encouraged professional bodies like the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) to organize and participate in international conferences to provide platforms for knowledge sharing and better collaboration. The Commerce Secretary said this while addressing a discussion session on ‘Broadening Global Horizons: Opportunities for Indian Professionals’ organized here on December 23. The sessions covered four main issues, preparing professionals globally; Strengthening international transport through Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) and MoUs; Development, formation and expansion of the network of professionals abroad and leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to promote export of professional services were discussed.
Aggarwal stressed the importance of “better coordination of stakeholders to open up global markets for Indian professional services, improving the domestic environment and legally binding commitments on professional services under various free trade agreements.”

India has received commitments under various free trade agreements, including the recently announced agreement with New Zealand to provide easier terms and visa facilities for its professionals. Under this agreement, about 5,000 Indian professionals like yoga instructors, cooks, AYUSH professionals, IT professionals, education teachers, nurses, caregivers will get professional visas to contribute to the New Zealand economy.