While trade ties are strengthened by New Zealand–based companies expanding into the region, there is also a clear government-level commitment to the region – with the opening of a New Zealand Embassy in the UAE, and joint New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) visits to Oman and Qatar.
Trade figures show New Zealand’s exports to the GCC have grown from $695 million in 2009 to $1.2 billion in 2011 which is a 71% increase over the two year period. In Bahrain alone the exports have increased from $47 million in 2009 to $54 million in 2011 which is close to a 15% increase over this period.
“While New Zealand is well known as a food and beverage exporter, increasingly our exports to the Gulf region are diversifying away from just food and beverages to include ICT, education and consultancy, and specialized manufacturing” Steve Jones, NZ Trade Commissioner for Africa, Middle East and Pakistan, said.
NZTE’s Beachheads programme – a global, public-private partnership of independent advisors and NZTE staff working closely with high-growth New Zealand businesses looking to succeed internationally – has helped an increasing number of growing businesses gain a foothold in the Middle East.
“Beachheads are a very successful programme worldwide, and we are planning to expand the service in the Middle East. It is most relevant to New Zealand companies with a permanent presence and senior management based in the region, and those planning for growth,” he added.