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The agreement will seek to boost those numbers through the removal or reduction of
tariffs and trade barriers, the improvement of market access, and the establishment of
investment pathways that will open up new opportunities in key sectors such as
agriculture, renewable energy, logistics, education, professional services, and
healthcare.

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.”

“Today’s launch of negotiations is an exciting step towards cementing a significant trade
and economic relationship. This follows the conclusion of successful exploratory
discussions, as well as public consultation, which demonstrated the importance of
pursuing a high-quality agreement to boost our economy and unlock greater export
opportunities,” McClay said.

He added that an agreement with the UAE will provide new opportunities to New

Zealand exporters who “are integral to revitalising our economy, which is why the
Government has set the ambitious target of doubling exports by value within 10 years.
New opportunities in the UAE will open further commercial opportunities that will help lift
domestic incomes and reduce the cost of living."

"The UAE is a key export destination and hub in the Gulf region, and there are
significant opportunities to enhance cooperation across a range of areas, including
agriculture and sustainable energy,” he noted.

Foreign trade remains the cornerstone of the UAE’s economic agenda. In 2023, the
UAE’s non-oil trade in goods reached an all-time high of $701 billion, a 12.6 percent
increase on 2022 – and 34.7 percent more than 2021.

A CEPA with New Zealand will be a significant addition to the UAE foreign trade
network, which is helping to propel non-oil foreign trade towards its target of Dh4 trillion
($1.1 trillion) by 2031.

https://en.aletihad.ae/news/uae/.