Public consultation regarding a potential trade agreement between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates has been launched, Trade Minister Todd McClay announced today.
McClay said that he had met with UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi.
"The UAE is a top-20 export market for New Zealand and our largest market in the Middle East, with exports increasing 17% in the last year."
He said that a "Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement" could bring opportunities to enhance our bilateral cooperation and grow our trading relationship.
It could also complement the broader NZ Gulf Cooperation Council free trade agreement, McClay said.
"Exploratory discussions between our two teams are progressing well and a decision on launching negotiations will be taken later this year, informed by those discussions and public submissions.
"We are keen to hear from all interested New Zealanders, including businesses, NGOs, and members of the public."
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