Delegation to New Zealand

A 42 member delegation of FICCI ladies organization lead by President, FLO – Vinita Bimbhet reached New Zealand on September 23, 2016.

The first NZ India Business Women Conclave concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between India Trade Alliance and FICCI FLO and an understanding to build on the business networks formed during the historic and first ever NZ India Business Women Conclave on Friday 23 September 2016 at The Langham in Auckland. More than 150 women leaders gathered from across New Zealand to greet and meet the FLO delegation.

The theme of “Leadership, Innovation, Entrepreneurship” was discussed by a panel of eight women and included Dame Wendy Pye (Wendy Pye Publishing), Dr. Michelle Dickinson (OMG Tech), Jo Pennycuick (ReDesign Group) and Melanie Auld (Zespri) from New Zealand and representing India were business women Jayanti Dalmia (Dalmia Group), Kiran Gera (AquaAgri Greentech), Ranjana Agarwal (Vaish & Associates) and Namita Gautam (Sheela Foam). Ziena Jalil, Partner at SenateSHJ was the moderator. The panel discussed the needs and challenges of women in business in both countries, consider different perspectives and made lasting business connections.

The event partners were Zespri and Southern Institute of Technology and supported by Asia New Zealand Foundation, National Council of Women NZ, Global Women, I Am Woman, EMA, Export NZ, NZ Tech and Governance NZ.

INZBC and Dr. Parmjeet Parmar hosted the delegation from FICCI – FLO at the Parliament. Dr. Parmar gave a good overview of the women’s representation in politics and business in New Zealand and how more can be done to have gender parity in business and society.

The gathering was also addressed by Celia Wade-Brown, Mayor of Wellington. The Mayor gave an overview to the delegation on the various business and economic opportunities that Wellington provides. The delegation was impressed by the breadth and depth of the information given by the Mayor.

The Indian High Commissioner, Mr. Sanjiv Kohli, also addressed the delegates. He spoke on the high point of the economic environment that India & New Zealand are experiencing today.

The FLO delegation also visited the Massey University where the department heads gave an overview of the various studies and research being carried on in the field of business and migrants in NZ. Education being a very important sector between India-NZ trade, there were important discussions on the areas of cooperation and collaboration that can be worked out.

The all womens delegation also met a cross section of business leaders in wellington, at a networking event organized in association with Business New Zealand. The event saw a few kiwi-businesses presenting their case, from the sectors of film & television, software, jewellery and business intelligence. Similar presentations were made by some Indian businesses to the Kiwi businesses. This speed networking event was appreciated by the FLO delegation.

In her welcome address, Vinita Bimbhet, FLO President said, “We are looking forward to today’s discussion on fostering entrepreneurship and promoting innovation—India must become a nation of job creators instead of job-seekers.”