Page 842 - MOE ENGLISH PR - MAY 2024

5/13/24, 5:08 PM UAE, New Zealand begin economic partnership negotiations
DUBAI: The UAE and New Zealand have agreed to start
May 06, 2024
20:22 negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement,

with the intention to enhance trade and investment ties between the
172
two countries, the Emirates News Agency reported.

A joint declaration of intent confirming the agreement was signed

by Emirati Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed

Follow Al-Zeyoudi and New Zealand’s Minister of Trade Todd McClay on
Monday.

The agreement sets out to bolster trade by eliminating or reducing

tariffs and trade barriers, improving market access, and establishing

investment pathways that will create new opportunities in key
sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, logistics, education,

professional services, and healthcare.

“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,” Al-Zeyoudi said.

“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,” he added.

McClay said that an agreement with the UAE will offer new
opportunities for 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.”

The New Zealand minister continued: “New opportunities in the

UAE will open further commercial opportunities that will help lift

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