Abu Dhabi: Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, stated that the UAE is New Zealand's most trusted economic partner, highlighting the significance of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations as a milestone in their bilateral relations. In his remarks to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the World Future Energy Summit, part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, Luxon emphasized the economic collaboration between the UAE and New Zealand, which is built on shared strengths and has flourished over four decades of successful relations.
According to Emirates News Agency, Luxon described the CEPA as a mutually beneficial agreement and expressed his desire to further enhance this partnership for the benefit of both countries and their citizens. He noted that the positive developments in UAE-New Zealand relations have bolstered the trade and investment infrastructure of both nations. Luxon highlighted the direct economic benefits of the CEPA for New Zealand, a country heavily reliant on exporting its products globally. The agreement, he explained, opens up significant opportunities for New Zealand's economy, particularly in expanding the export of high-quality food products to the UAE.
Luxon also underscored the shared goals of both countries in the realm of food security, pointing out that the UAE is an ideal market for New Zealand's exports due to the local consumers' preference for high-quality products. He mentioned that approximately 70% of New Zealand's exports to the UAE are food and dairy products, alongside imports of industrial products, machinery, equipment, and horticultural goods, showcasing the variety of services New Zealand offers to the UAE market.
In addition, Luxon commended the World Future Energy Summit for its role in advancing global discussions on renewable energy, providing a platform for dialogue and innovation in this area. He shared that his discussions with state leaders, sovereign wealth fund officials, and company CEOs at the summit focused on enhancing joint investment opportunities, particularly in renewable energy and other sectors that contribute to sustainability and economic development in both countries. Luxon expressed his aspiration to deepen the partnership with the UAE in renewable energy, recognizing both countries' advanced energy capabilities and ambitious visions in this crucial sector. He acknowledged the UAE's leadership in climate action and the transition towards alternative and new energy sources.