The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand has officially come into effect, marking a major step forward in strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries. Signed in January 2025, the landmark deal establishes a strong framework for expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
The CEPA is projected to raise annual bilateral trade to over US$5 billion by 2032, up from an average of US$1.5 billion recorded between 2019 and 2023. The agreement eliminates or reduces tariffs, streamlines customs processes, and encourages greater collaboration between private sector players. Significantly, this marks New Zealand’s first trade pact with a Middle Eastern country, underscoring its commitment to building deeper ties with the region.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, stated, “The ratification of the UAE-New Zealand CEPA marks a historic milestone in our economic partnership, fostering innovation and sustainable growth for mutual benefit. This agreement not only enhances our trade relations but also opens new avenues for investment and private sector collaboration in key sectors such as food production, education, renewable energy, and advanced technologies.”
Todd McClay, New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment, said, “This agreement marks a transformative moment in New Zealand’s trade history. The CEPA with the UAE not only opens doors for our exporters and investors but also reflects our shared commitment to growth. We look forward to deepening our partnership across sectors that matter most to our people—from food and energy to innovation and education.”
As part of the deal, New Zealand will grant the UAE 100% duty-free access to its exports, while the UAE will provide duty-free access to 98.5% of New Zealand goods. This comprehensive agreement reflects the two nations’ shared determination to expand economic cooperation and maximize mutual gains.
The UAE’s CEPA programme is a cornerstone of its foreign trade strategy, designed to achieve US$1 trillion in total trade by 2031 and double the national economy to more than US$800 billion. Since its launch in September 2021, the programme has finalized trade agreements with 28 countries, extending market access for UAE businesses to nearly a quarter of the global population.
(Inputs from WAM)
