Auckland, July 11 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi made several suggestions to strengthen trade and economic ties with New Zealand during his interaction with the business community in Auckland, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday, highlighting economic engagement as a key focus of the Prime Minister's visit.

Addressing a special media briefing on PM Modi's official visit to New Zealand, Secretary (East) in the MEA, Rudrendra Tandon, said trade and economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions between the two countries.

"But of course, it's also going to be intensive discussions on how to take the trade and economic relationship forward. The Prime Minister had an extensive interaction with the business ...