I envy the job of President of India. He gets to tour all the beautiful little countries of the world.
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Most 80 year olds would be taking it easy on a Sunday, that's not the case when you're the President of India.
President Pranab Mukherjee is the first Indian Head of State to ever visit New Zealand, and he has a packed itinerary.
Today he's to attend a wreath laying, receive a guided tour of the Maori exhibits at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and attend business meetings and functions -- but the peak will be talks with Prime Minister, John Key.
Both leaders have indicated they want a free trade agreement to advance -- Mr Key said it will be his number one talking point with the President.
And last night President Mukherjee addressed a state dinner saying the current level of trade needs to be "vigorously enhanced" so that it can reach its potential.
"I'm confident that we can open more doors to each other as we establish a robust economic and political partnership."
A free trade agreement between New Zealand and India has been on the negotiating table for 6 years.
The Prime Minister won't be letting the opportunity to talk trade pass him by, he's wanted a Free Trade Deal with India since 2010 -- at the same time he set up the New Zealand Inc India Strategy. But since then things have gone downhill.
The New Zealand Inc India Strategy had a goal of $2 billion in goods heading from New Zealand to India by 2015.
Read more: NZ, India trade needs to be 'vigorously enhanced' - Mukherjee
---
Most 80 year olds would be taking it easy on a Sunday, that's not the case when you're the President of India.
President Pranab Mukherjee is the first Indian Head of State to ever visit New Zealand, and he has a packed itinerary.
Today he's to attend a wreath laying, receive a guided tour of the Maori exhibits at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and attend business meetings and functions -- but the peak will be talks with Prime Minister, John Key.
Both leaders have indicated they want a free trade agreement to advance -- Mr Key said it will be his number one talking point with the President.
And last night President Mukherjee addressed a state dinner saying the current level of trade needs to be "vigorously enhanced" so that it can reach its potential.
"I'm confident that we can open more doors to each other as we establish a robust economic and political partnership."
A free trade agreement between New Zealand and India has been on the negotiating table for 6 years.
The Prime Minister won't be letting the opportunity to talk trade pass him by, he's wanted a Free Trade Deal with India since 2010 -- at the same time he set up the New Zealand Inc India Strategy. But since then things have gone downhill.
The New Zealand Inc India Strategy had a goal of $2 billion in goods heading from New Zealand to India by 2015.
Read more: NZ, India trade needs to be 'vigorously enhanced' - Mukherjee
