New Delhi, Oct. 19 -- Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday flagged off the first-ever JCB machine export to New Zealand from Pune, Maharashtra, ahead of the implementation of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on October 20.

The development comes as JCB India expects its overall machinery exports to increase by 20 per cent to around 18,000 units in 2026, compared with approximately 15,000 units last year.

In a post on X, Goyal said, "New Zealand will now build with a 'Made in India' JCB machine!"

He added, "Proud to flag off the first-ever JCB machine export to New Zealand, made in Pune, Maharashtra."

Highlighting the significance of the agreement for domestic manufacturing, the minister said, "The...