KEY POINTS:
A New Zealand Trade and Enterprise office has been opened in Indian city of Mumbai.
Forestry Minister Jim Anderton opened the new office saying it reflected Mumbai's importance as a hub for Western India, growing opportunities for, and interest from, New Zealand companies.
The new office would be the primary support for Investment New Zealand programmes in India. There is already an office in Delhi.
Mr Anderton was in India leading a week-long trade mission for the wood and building industry.
The New Zealand timber industry in 2007 generated $3.1 billion in exports (or 3.15 percent of GDP) and India was New Zealand's fifth-largest export market for timber products, worth $65 million, he said.
"Emphasis on protecting its native forest means India needs to import timber to meet growing demand in construction and other industries.
"This provides an opportunity for New Zealand companies to develop new markets for value-added timber solutions."
- NZPA
