New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Manatū Aorere.

Timeline of negotiations

and next steps

New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (NZ-UAE CEPA) in January 2025 during the visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to the UAE.

Timeline of Negotiations.
Negotiations timeline graphic.

May 2024:

Ministers agree to launch negotiations

New Zealand Minister for Trade Todd McClay and his UAE counterpart, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, announce the launch of negotiations on a free trade agreement between New Zealand and the UAE – a Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CEPA). Read the press release.


June 2024:

Negotiations commence

The first round of CEPA negotiations takes place in Dubai, from 3-5 June 2024.


July 2024:

CEPA negotiations continue in Dubai from 22-25 July 2024, and in virtual meetings. 


August 2024:

CEPA negotiations held in Dubai throughout August. Virtual meetings were also conducted.


September 2024:

Negotiations conclude

New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates announced the conclusion of negotiations in Wellington on 26 September 2024. 

Read the press release.

This followed a series of negotiations throughout September, including in Dubai, virtual meetings, and the final round of negotiations in Wellington from 23-25 September 2024.

What happens next?.

With the agreement signed, both sides will commence their respective legal processes to bring the Agreement into force. For New Zealand, this includes parliamentary scrutiny of the Agreement and the associated National Interest Analysis (NIA) by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee. This process will provide an opportunity for the public to make submissions on the CEPA.

Enter into force graphic.

January 2025:

Signature of the Agreement

Trade Ministers signed the NZ-UAE CEPA in the United Arab Emirates.


Early 2025:

Parliamentary treaty examination

The NZ-UAE is presented to the House of Representatives, along with a National Interest Analysis. Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee examines the CEPA and NIA, considers public submissions, and issues a final report. 


Early-Mid 2025 (TBD): 

Passage of legislation

Parliament considers the legislation required to implement the Agreement.


Later in 2025 (TBD): 

Agreement enters into force

Subject to the above, New Zealand and the UAE confirm that each side has completed the necessary procedures, and the date for entry into force.

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