Ryan Bridge: The India FTA is up to businesses now

Judging by the coverage out of New Delhi overnight, the Indian press appears optimistic about the trade deal with New Zealand.  As optimistic as our Government and industry, and as of last week, Labour, are about it here.  Their trade department points out the thing excludes dairy, so that's safe, along with other sensitive markets.  They like the fact we conceded 100% duty-free access in key manufacturing and labour-intensive industries - the Mint news site name checks textiles, leather, footwear, engineering goods, plastics, and processed foods. Here, our primary industries are celebrating their wins.  And that's the point that I think was somewhat lost in the last few months; both sides win from trade deals.  You make some concessions but you get some gains. Like any deal.  It's not all one-way traffic.  India is set to overtake Germany as the world's third largest economy.  It's a behemoth.  To not jump onboard would have meant missing the boat.  Most Kiwis can see the benefits from the deal Goff and Clark signed with China.  Trump may be trying to sully the reputation of free trade, but it hasn't dampened our spirits because we can see the benefits.  There's an argument to be made against NAFTA for rustbelt workers in the US, but in this country, the benefits have largely outweighed the costs.  And there will be costs, like with any deal.  But the net benefit is what we should be focussed on. To realise those benefits, the reigns are now in the hands of business to do what it does best.  Our exporters, our deal-makers, our market specialists are already on the blower, on the plane, and in country trying to get a slice of the action.  Good luck to them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.