Page 168 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 1)

10/1/24, 2:40 PM HE Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi Leads UAE Business Delegation to New Zealand and Australia to Expand Trade Relations - Middle East B…
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While in New Zealand, HE Dr. Al Zeyoudi held a number of meetings with senior officials,

including Hon. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade, and Hon. Nicola Willis, Minister of Finance. The
discussions focused on the economic ambitions of each country and how greater collaboration

can help achieve them.

HE Dr. Al Zeyoudi and Minister 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 US$768 million in 2023, a 16% increase over pre-COVID levels in 2019. The first half
of 2024 continued this positive trend, with trade volume reaching US$460.3 million, 11.5%

more than the same period last year. The expanding bilateral trade relationship is expected to
create new opportunities across a range of sectors.

HE Dr. 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.”

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