Bay of Plenty exports are set to grow following the signing of a trade agreement with the UAE, said  Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford.  

New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement, which will grow and embed economic opportunities for Bay of Plenty exporters and create stronger supply chains with one of New Zealand’s most important trading partners in the Gulf region. 

“This trade agreement was concluded in record time, in just over four months and is already being welcomed by our growers across the Bay of Plenty.” 

The trade agreement is the most trade liberalising of any of the UAE’s CEPAs to date.  

“Our Government is fully committed to opening doors, embedding market access and continuing to grow our presence as a supplier of safe, healthy food to the Gulf region.

“This trade agreement is a really positive step towards achieving this and helping us double our exports by value in ten years - which creates more jobs and opportunities in our region.” Rutherford said.  

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE will eliminate duties on 98.5 per cent of New Zealand’s exports immediately on entry into force, rising to 99 per cent within three years. This will create new opportunities for New Zealand businesses in the dynamic UAE market.  

“Our horticulture exports to the UAE currently sit at $44 million. The increased engagement and market opportunity this agreement will secure will see this number increase as UAE citizens seek our high quality, safe produce.” 

The UAE is a key export destination and hub in the Gulf region. In the year to June 2024, two-way trade was valued at NZ$1.3 billion. The UAE is one of our largest markets in the Middle East, and a top 20 export market overall. 

New Zealand dairy exports to the UAE amounted to $718 million, industrial products $237 million, red meat $46 million, horticulture $44 million, and tourism $31 million. 

“The Bay of Plenty relies on horticulture. Our whole region feeds off this sector. The more we can grow horticulture, the more we will grow our local economy. I am so excited to see our Bay of Plenty exporters benefit from this Trade Agreement with the UAE.” 

The CEPA also includes chapters on intellectual property, sustainable development, labour, sustainable agriculture, climate, and on indigenous trade. We have also secured New Zealand’s Treaty of Waitangi exception to allow us to meet treaty obligations.