Page 268 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 1)

But there are also more critical voices, such as the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions,
which advised against a CEPA in a lengthy submission due to “significant concerns about
the UAE’s labor rights and standards” in relation to the treatment of migrant workers.

These issues are serious, but by no means insurmountable. After all, New Zealand has
significant experience in navigating similar matters from its longstanding relationship with

China, with which it signed a groundbreaking free trade agreement in 2008. And with
neither country being perfect, deeper engagement will provide more opportunities to listen
and learn from each other in discussion and dialogue behind closed doors.

With UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in New Zealand
this week for the conclusion announcement, it seems a likely bet that the formal signing
will come as a part of a reciprocal New Zealand ministerial visit to the UAE.

If so, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon could well head to Abu Dhabi himself.

It would be the first time since 2015 that a New Zealand prime minister has visited the Gulf.
In written answers to questions this week, Alqemzi, extended a “warm welcome”to future
New Zealand ministerial visitors. The Ambassador also noted that any further “potential
high-level visits” by Luxon or Foreign Minister Winston Peters would help to “advance
shared trade and economic interests… delivering real benefits to both countries.”

If Peters or Luxon do head to the Middle East, it would also be an ideal opportunity to learn
the views of counterparts in the UAE about the ongoing war in Gaza, which is approaching
its grim one-year milestone with seemingly only escalation in sight. Now Israel and
Lebanon are on the brink of full-scale war.

There is an opportunity for Wellington to work with Abu Dhabi more closely on

peacemaking efforts: New Zealand last week again broke with its “Five Eyes” English-
speaking partners, supporting a U.N. General Assembly resolution that called on Israel to
end “its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

New Zealand’s relations with the UAE are already thriving – but now they are moving to the
next level. It is the beginning of a new chapter, and it could be the start of something even
bigger.

This article was originally published by the Democracy Project, which aims to enhance New

Zealand’s democracy and public life by promoting critical thinking, analysis, debate, and
engagement in politics and society.

https://thediplomat.com/2024/09/new-zealands-trade-deal-with-the-uae-could-be-the-
start-of-something-much-bigger/