Page 186 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 1)

10/1/24, 2:42 PM Minister of State for Foreign Trade leads UAE Business delegation to New Zealand, Australia to expand trade relations

Minister of State for Foreign Trade leads UAE Business

delegation to New Zealand, Australia to expand trade relations

WAM
29 Sep 2024, 01:47 GMT+10

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND, 28th September, 2024 (WAM) -- Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for For
successful visit to New Zealand and Australia, where he led a high-level UAE business delegation to strengthen economic

The visit culminated in the conclusion of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) betw
Zealand, which will open important new avenues for trade and investment between the two countries.

While in New Zealand, Dr. Al Zeyoudi held a number of meetings with senior officials, including Hon. Todd McClay, Minister
Willis, Minister of Finance. The discussions focused on the economic ambitions of each country and how greater collaborat
Dr. Al Zeyoudi and Minister McClay also participated in a question-and-answer session with the National Party in New Zeal
Wellington, highlighting both nations' commitment to deepening political and economic ties and exploring new private-secto
countries.

This was followed by a business roundtable organised to facilitate direct engagement between the UAE delegation and lea
businesses, particularly in the agri-tech, renewable energy, technology and logistics sectors. The UAE remains New Zealan
the Middle East, with non-oil trade reaching US$768 million in 2023, a 16 percent increase over pre-COVID-19 levels in 20
continued this positive trend, with trade volume reaching US$460.3 million, 11.5 percent more than the same period last ye
trade relationship is expected to create new opportunities across a range of sectors.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi stated: "The UAE and New Zealand share a strong commitment to building an innovative and resilient trade
create new avenues for businesses to collaborate, particularly in sectors such as the green economy, supply chain manage
advanced technology. We are greatly encouraged by the positive response to our visit, not least the conclusion of terms on
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which will elevate our relationship on all fronts."
Hon. Todd McClay, New Zealand's Trade Minister, commented: "We welcome this new phase in our relationship with the UA
between our nations provide a robust framework for fostering growth and prosperity for both countries."
Dr Thani also visited Australia, where he held talks with Hon. Don Farrell, Australia's Minister for Trade and Tourism. The m
timelines for signing and implementing the CEPA between their two nations, the negotiations for which concluded in earlier
the process of aligning their respective customs departments.

Dr Thani also addressed a business roundtable in Melbourne, where private-sector representatives reviewed sectors of ma
food security, renewable energy, mining, logistics and tourism.
Strengthening relations with the broader Oceania region will support regional supply chain resilience and promote sustaina
with Australia and New Zealand will help the UAE achieve its target of AED4 trillion (US$1.1 trillion) in non-oil trade by 2031

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

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