The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and New Zealand has officially entered into force, increasing trade and investment links between the two countries. The agreement, signed in January 2025, creates a platform for stronger economic collaboration across sectors.
Officials expect the CEPA to considerably expand yearly bilateral trade, with projections of more than $5 billion by 2032, up from the $1.5 billion average reported between 2019 and 2023. The deal will reduce or eliminate tariffs, speed up customs procedures, and promote greater private-sector collaboration.
This is New Zealand’s first trade agreement with a Middle Eastern nation, marking a significant step towards expanding its engagement with the region. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, described the agreement as a historic milestone that will enhance trade, investment, and innovation in sectors like food production, renewable energy, education, and advanced technologies.
Under the CEPA, New Zealand would provide full duty-free access to UAE imports, while the UAE would open up 98.5% of its market to New Zealand products. The pact is part of the UAE’s overall CEPA project, which aims to secure $1 trillion in trade by 2031.
