The United Arab Emirates and New Zealand have officially brought their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) into force, setting the stage for a sharp expansion in trade and investment between the two nations.
Signed in January 2025, the agreement is projected to raise annual bilateral trade to more than US$5 billion by 2032, up from an average of US$1.5 billion in recent years. It will eliminate or reduce tariffs, streamline customs procedures, and open doors for greater collaboration between private sectors.
The deal is New Zealand’s first trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country, marking a breakthrough in its engagement with the region. Under the CEPA, New Zealand will grant full duty-free access to imports from the UAE, while the UAE will extend the same to 98.5% of New Zealand products.
UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi called the agreement “a historic milestone” that will foster innovation and sustainable growth, while New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay described it as “a transformative moment” for exporters and investors.
The UAE views CEPA as a cornerstone of its wider trade strategy, which aims to double the size of its economy and reach US$1 trillion in total trade value by 2031. With agreements already signed with 28 countries, the UAE is strengthening its position as a global trade hub.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
