By Aman Sehmi
Wellington, Sep 12 (IANS) Two India-born men have been appointed senior officials of the India-New Zealand Business Council, a body set up to promote trade between the two countries.

Prominent Auckland-based businessman Wenceslaus Anthony will be the new chairperson of the council, while Wellington-based New Zealand-India trade specialist Raga D’Silva will be the new deputy chairperson.

This is the first time India-born businessmen are being appointed at the top of the council.

Anthony was born in Kolkata, while D’Silva, migrated to New Zealand from Mumbai in 2001.

“I am very clear that the India-New Zealand Business Council needs to focus on its core competencies — access to individual intellectual wealth which every member brings with them, lobbying and providing networks for business in New Zealand and India,” Anthony said.

According to D’Silva, there are a number of areas like IT, tourism and agriculture where Indian and New Zealand companies could join hands.

New Zealand IT companies like Vista Entertainment Solutions, OmniMax, Cadmus and Provenco are already doing well in India, she added.

“The council has lobbied strongly for a free trade agreement between India and New Zealand, which is expected to be implemented soon. It’s time for individuals and businesses doing trade between the two countries to pool their expertise and make a real difference,” D’Silva said.

The council was established in 1988 and has played a major role in promoting bilateral relations.