The UAE-New Zealand CEPA has officially come into effect, expected to raise bilateral trade to over $5 billion by 2032.
ABU DHABI: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand has officially entered into force, marking a major milestone in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. The agreement, signed in January 2025, represents New Zealand’s first trade pact with a Middle Eastern country and sets a framework for expanded collaboration in trade, investment, and innovation.
The CEPA is projected to boost annual bilateral trade to more than US$5 billion by 2032, a sharp increase from the US$1.5 billion average recorded between 2019 and 2023. The agreement eliminates or reduces tariffs, simplifies customs procedures, and facilitates stronger private sector cooperation, opening new opportunities across food production, renewable energy, education, and advanced technology sectors.
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, highlighted the agreement’s significance: “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.”
New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment, His Excellency Todd McClay, also welcomed the partnership, saying: “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.”
Under the terms of the agreement, New Zealand will provide 100% duty-free access to imports from the UAE, while the UAE will grant duty-free access to 98.5% of New Zealand products. The deal underscores both countries’ commitment to maximising trade benefits and strengthening long-term economic relations.
The CEPA aligns with the UAE’s broader foreign trade strategy, which aims to achieve US$1 trillion in total trade by 2031 and double the national economy to more than US$800 billion. Since launching its CEPA program in 2021, the UAE has concluded agreements with 28 countries, extending market access to nearly one-quarter of the world’s population.
The UAE-New Zealand CEPA is expected to serve as a model for future partnerships, reinforcing the Emirates’ position as a global hub for commerce and investment.
