Page 157 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 1)

Cepa between the UAE and New Zealand, which will open important new avenues for trade and
investment between the two countries.

While in New Zealand, Al Zeyoudi held a number of meetings with senior officials, including Todd
McClay, Minister for Trade, and Nicola Willis, Minister of Finance. The discussions focused on the
economic ambitions of each country and how greater collaboration can help achieve them.

Al Zeyoudi and McClay also participated in a question-and-answer session with the National Party
in New Zealand’s parliament in Wellington, highlighting both nations’ commitment to deepening
political and economic ties and exploring new private-sector opportunities in both countries. This
was followed by a business roundtable organized to facilitate direct engagement between the UAE
delegation and leading New Zealand businesses, particularly in the agri-tech, renewable energy,
technology and logistics sectors.

The UAE remains New Zealand’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, with non-oil trade
reaching $768 million in 2023, a 16 per cent increase over pre-Covid levels in 2019. The first half of
2024 continued this positive trend, with trade volume reaching $460.3 million, 11.5 per cent more
than the same period last year. The expanding bilateral trade relationship is expected to create new
opportunities across a range of sectors.

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Al Zeyoudi stated: “The UAE and New Zealand share a strong commitment to building an innovative
and resilient trade relationship. Our growing ties create new avenues for businesses to collaborate,
particularly in sectors such as the green economy, supply chain management, food security and
advanced technology. We are greatly encouraged by the positive response to our visit, not least the
conclusion of terms on our proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which will
elevate our relationship on all fronts.”

McClay commented: “We welcome this new phase in our relationship with the UAE. The deepening
trade ties between our nations provide a robust framework for fostering growth and prosperity for
both countries.”

Al Zeyoudi also visited Australia, where he held talks with His Excellency Hon. Don Farrell,
Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism. The minister’s discussed the timelines for signing and
implementing the Cepa between their two nations, the negotiations for which concluded in earlier
in September, and to begin the process of aligning their respective customs departments.

Al Zeyoudi also addressed a business roundtable in Melbourne, where private-sector
representatives reviewed sectors of maximum opportunity, including food security, renewable
energy, mining, logistics and tourism.

Al Zeyoudi was accompanied by a UAE delegation that included Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi,
Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; Ahmed Khalifa Al
Qubaisi, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry; as well as senior officers from
Dubai Chambers, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Etihad Airways and DP World
alongside other representatives from UAE business entities and investors.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/economy/uae-seeks-to-boost-economic-ties-with-
australia-and-new-zealand