Current Edition of UAE – New Zealand Joint Economic Committee to Boost Cooperation

• Fifth Meeting of JEC to run in Abu Dhabi from September 6-7
• To draw participation of government and business representatives
• To explore cooperation in technology, innovation, SME sector, renewable energy, and aviation

Dubai-UAE: 31 August, 2015 – His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tim Groser, Minister of Trade in the New Zealand government, will chair the fifth meeting of the UAE-New Zealand Joint Economic Committee (JEC). The meeting will be held in Abu Dhabi on September 6 and 7, 2015.

The JEC meeting will focus on deepening and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the UAE and New Zealand across a range of important economic sectors. Discussions will emphasize on cooperation in tourism, education, healthcare, industry, SMEs, renewable energy, aviation, agriculture, technology, and innovation. 

The meeting will bring together representatives from federal and local government organizations, businesses and private sectors from the two countries.

His Excellency Sultan Al Mansouri stressed the UAE’s keenness to strengthen its ties with New Zealand on all levels. Pointing out that bilateral relations between the two countries are on an upward trajectory, the Minister said, the visit of New Zealand’s Prime Minister, John Key, to the UAE in April this year and the high level meetings he had with UAE leaders and officials marked an important milestone in the ongoing cooperation between the two countries.

Al Mansouri noted that the JEC will work on sustaining the momentum in improving economic and trade relations and highlighting investment opportunities for both partners. The meeting will also focus on strengthening relations between business communities in the two countries. 

The JEC meeting will evaluate the progress made since the last edition held in Wellington, New Zealand, in October 2013, and also explore ways of further developing economic and trade ties. The meeting will provide a valuable opportunity for private businesses, entrepreneurs and investors to meet, share ideas and discuss economic cooperation and investment opportunities in the UAE and in New Zealand.

Trade volumes between the two countries have been increasing steadily for the last few years reaching AED2.33 billion in 2013. A number of agreements already exist between the UAE and New Zealand, including an economic and trade cooperation agreement, and double taxation avoidance agreement. In February 2015, negotiations have commenced on an agreement to encourage and protect investment between the two countries.