New Zealand’s Parliament has passed the legislation required to implement its trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates. ExportNZ responded with strong support, calling it a step forward for exporters.
The agreement, CEPA, aims to eliminate tariffs and expand economic cooperation.
ExportNZ Endorses Trade Milestone with UAE
Joshua Tan, Executive Director of ExportNZ, has endorsed the agreement, saying it represents “a high-quality agreement.”
“ExportNZ acknowledges the hard work of our government officials and the Minister for Trade & Investment for moving quickly to conclude and pass this high-quality agreement.” He added,
Strong Market Interest from New Zealand Exporters
ExportNZ’s endorsement of the agreement reflects widespread optimism among New Zealand exporters. According to Tan, businesses across the country are already eager to explore the UAE market.
“Recent engagements with exporters nationwide proves there is plenty of interest from businesses to explore opportunities in the UAE,” he noted.
The sentiment aligns with a broader enthusiasm surrounding the agreement’s scope, which eliminates tariffs on over 98% of New Zealand exports to the region. The deal covers high-performing sectors like dairy, meat, and fresh produce—key components of the $1.3 billion in annual trade already flowing between the two nations.
UAE Provides the Perfect Fit for New Zealand Exports
“The UAE is a fast-moving, high-value market with demand for exactly the kinds of quality, sustainable, and trusted products and services New Zealand is known for.” Tan stated.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon echoed this valuable alignment ahead of his planned trip to the UAE for the formal CEPA signing.
“This is a country where 4,000 Kiwis are living and working, and a key transport and logistics hub with more than half a million people coming to New Zealand through the UAE each year,” he said. Luxon described the UAE as “New Zealand’s biggest Middle Eastern market.”
Broader Bilateral Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
ExportNZ highlighted the agreement’s potential for reciprocal investment. “We not only see opportunities for exporting products and services to the UAE, but also fostering investment opportunities in New Zealand,” said Tan. The deal includes joint priorities such as infrastructure and energy.
“Our two governments cooperate across a range of shared interests, from expanding renewable energy generation in the Pacific to our desire to de-escalate conflict in the Middle East,” said Luxon.
Implementation of CEPA Now in Focus for Exporters
“We look forward to notification of when the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will come into force for exporters to begin leveraging,” said Joshua Tan.
While the deal has faced criticism over human rights concerns from groups such as the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, supporters view it as an important step in global trade. The agreement’s formal activation is now awaited by both countries.