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5/15/24, 9:22 AM UAE and New Zealand begin economic partnership negotiations to boost trade, investment
Moreover, the CEPA will create a favorable environment for trade and investment in
key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, logistics, education, professional
services, and healthcare.
Read more: UAE and Ecuador initiate negotiations for CEPA to boost trade,

investment
Direct access to new markets
Dr. Al Zeyoudi stated, “New Zealand has become a valued trade partner for the UAE,

one that shares our conviction that open, rules-based trade is an essential driver of
sustainable economic growth. A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
will open up a range of exciting opportunities for both nations, with the UAE offering
direct access to new markets for New Zealand’s exports, particularly in food and

agricultural products, while our services exporters and investors will be able to
explore a range of high-value sectors. We are both eager to get started.”
For his part, McClay said the launch of negotiations is an exciting step towards
cementing a significant trade and economic relationship.

Surge in trade volumes
Foreign trade holds a central position in the UAE’s economic agenda. The UAE’s
non-oil trade reached in 2023 an all-time high of $701 billion. This represents a 12.6

percent surge compared to the previous year (2022) and an 34.7 percent increase
compared to 2021.
The CEPA with New Zealand is poised to make a significant contribution to the
UAE’s foreign trade network, as it works towards its ambitious target of AED4 trillion

($1.1 trillion) in non-oil foreign trade by 2031.

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