New Zealand’s Primary Industries and Agriculture Minister Nathan Guy is visiting Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE this week in an effort to boost trade relations.

“This visit is an opportunity to build on New Zealand’s already well-established relationship with key agricultural and food export markets,” said Guy.

“In 2013 New Zealand exported $1.6 billion of primary products to these three markets, and New Zealand agricultural expertise is in strong demand as states in the region look to improve their food security,” he said.

In the UAE, Guy will be discussing a joint project with Environment Abu Dhabi where New Zealand is assisting with environmental management. He will also open Fonterra's new warehouse, which in time will operate as a hub for re-exports throughout the region and signals the importance of the Gulf region to New Zealand's dairy exports.

In Saudi Arabia, he will meet with his ministerial counterpart and also visit the site of a New Zealand agribusiness service hub and demonstration farm currently under development near Dammam.

In Oman, Minister Guy will meet both the Agriculture and Foreign Affairs Ministers and hold discussions on increasing trade and agricultural linkages.

“Launched last year, the NZ Inc Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Strategy outlines New Zealand’s plans for further developing strong government and private sector relationships with the GCC. It calls for expanded trade and economic relationships with region,” said Guy.

“This visit will help to grow our relationship and help New Zealand become a partner of choice. It will also be an opportunity to discuss how New Zealand can work with the states of the region in areas where we have particular expertise, such as agriculture, fisheries and environmental management.” – TradeArabia News Service