Wednesday, 13 March 2024 07:55

NZ-UAE trade talks

Written by Peter Burke

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Trade Minister Todd McClay.

A trade deal with the United Arab Emirates has moved a step close following a meeting between NZ's Trade Minister Todd McClay and UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

The pair met at the recent WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi where McClay launched a public consultation for a trade agreement between the two countries. Exploratory discussions on what is called a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) - or effectively an FTA - began last September with two virtual discussions between officials held in December and February.

McClay says the UAE is a top-20 export market for NZ and our largest market in the Middle East, with exports increasing 17% to $1.2 billion in the last year. He says an FTA with the UAE could bring opportunities to enhance our bilateral cooperation and grow our trading relationship.

The UAE is one of the wealthiest countries in the world on a per-capita basis, with an increasingly diversified economy built on financial services, logistics, transport and petroleum. The UAE has started pursuing bilateral CEPAs since 2021, five of which have entered into force. That country is an important hub for NZ and a key component of our connectivity to the region and beyond, particularly in the aviation and maritime sectors.

More like this

Government invests $8 million in LIC methane research to reduce dairy emissions

The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.

NZ seeks certainty on US tariff, says McClay

Trade Minister Todd McClay says his officials plan to meet their US counterparts every month from now on to better understand how the 15% tariff issue there will play out, and try and get some certainty there for our exporters about the future.

NZ avocado growers gain FernMark export licence

New Zealand avocado growers have received a major boost by securing a collective FernMark Licence for their exports.

McClay pushes back on new US tariffs on NZ goods

Trade Minister Todd McClay says the US tariff decision appears to be based on a calculation of trade deficits, with countries running a surplus with the US moved to the higher rate.

Farmers urged to prepare as heavy rain looms

With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.

Featured

2026 Meat Industry Association scholarship applications open

Applications have now opened for the 2026 Meat Industry Association scholarships.

Bank of New Zealand launches First Farm initiative

Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) says it is backing aspiring dairy farmers through a new initiative designed to make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking easier.

Editorial: Credit where it's due

OPINION: While farmers are busy and diligently doing their best to deal with unwanted gasses, the opponents of farming - namely the Greens and their mates - are busy polluting the atmosphere with tirades of hot air about what farmers supposedly aren't doing.

Methane emission target reset

OPINION: For close to eight years now, I have found myself talking about methane quite a lot.

Royal A&P Show Returns to Canterbury: Record livestock entries and renewed prestige

The Royal A&P Show of New Zealand, hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association, is back next month, bigger and better after the uncertainty of last year.

Farmers Lead Sustainability Push: Woodchip bioreactor cuts nitrate runoff in Manawatu

Claims that farmers are polluters of waterways and aquifers and 'don't care' still ring out from environmental groups and individuals. The phrase 'dirty dairying' continues to surface from time to time. But as reporter Peter Burke points out, quite the opposite is the case. He says, quietly and behind the scenes, farmers are embracing new ideas and technologies to make their farms sustainable, resilient, environmentally friendly and profitable.