In May 2024, New Zealand and the UAE announced the launch of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement, known officially as a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This followed a series of exploratory discussions which took place from December 2023 to April 2024.
The UAE is one of New Zealand’s largest markets in the Middle East, with NZ$1.04 billion of goods and services exports in 2023. New Zealand’s key exports to the UAE include food and beverage commodities, namely dairy, meat, and fruit, as well as industrial products and travel services. The UAE’s transition to a knowledge-based economy by promoting innovation, research, and development provides opportunities for export growth for New Zealand companies. There is potential for exporters to benefit from enhanced cooperation across other areas, including agriculture, services, government procurement, sustainability and reducing non-tariff barriers.
The NZ-UAE CEPA negotiations complement the broader Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), of which the UAE is a member. See the following page for more information on this process: www.mfat.govt.nz/gcc(external link)
Share your views
On 29 February 2024, New Zealand opened submissions for public submissions on a possible CEPA with the UAE.
If you wish to provide a submission, or have questions about the New Zealand-UAE CEPA please contact us at the following:
Email: UAECEPA@mfat.govt.nz
Mail:
Coordinator, NZ-UAE CEPA
Trade and Economic Group
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Private Bag 18901