Nathan Guy visits Middle East

The warehouse will operate as a hub for re-exports throughout the region and signals the importance of the Gulf region to New Zealand's dairy exports.

The minister leaves this weekend (March 1) for the Middle East visit which includes Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

"This visit is an opportunity to build on New Zealand's already well-established relationship with key agricultural and food export markets," says Guy.

"In 2013 New Zealand exported $1.6b of primary products to these three markets, and our agricultural expertise is in strong demand as states in the region look to improve their food security."

In the United Arab Emirates, Guy will also discuss a joint project with Environment Abu Dhabi where New Zealand is assisting with environmental management.

While in Saudi Arabia he will meet with his ministerial counterpart and also visit the site of a New Zealand agribusiness service hub and demonstration farm currently under development near Dammam.

In Oman Minister Guy will also meet both the Agriculture and Foreign Affairs Ministers and hold discussions on increasing trade and agricultural linkages.

"Launched last year, the NZ Inc Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Strategy outlines New Zealand's plans for further developing strong government and private sector relationships with the GCC. It calls for expanded trade and economic relationships with region.

"This visit will help to grow our relationship and help New Zealand become a partner of choice. It will also be an opportunity to discuss how we can work with the states of the region in areas where we have particular expertise, such as agriculture, fisheries and environmental management," says Guy.