Minister for Trade and Investment Hon Todd McClay is rolling out the red carpet for Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, His Excellency Eng Abdulrahman A. AlFadley, as he visits New Zealand for the 9th New Zealand–Saudi Arabia Joint Ministerial Commission. The event, set to take place from April 28–30 in Auckland, is more than just a diplomatic meet-and-greet; it’s a powerhouse platform for expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation, with a sharp focus on agriculture, technology, and digital innovation.
The NZ-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement is at the heart of this collaboration, with Minister McClay highlighting its role in unlocking new opportunities for Kiwi businesses. But the action doesn’t stop at the commission. A business outreach programme will shine a spotlight on New Zealand’s world-class exporters and the burgeoning tech sector, offering a tantalising glimpse into the investment opportunities that await.
The Saudi delegation, a formidable group of over 35 senior officials and business leaders, is on a mission to explore new avenues for collaboration. Their visit is a unique chance to showcase New Zealand’s strengths, from traditional industries to innovative technologies, fostering deeper economic integration with Saudi Arabia.
New Zealand and Saudi Arabia’s partnership has been blossoming since they established diplomatic relations in 1977, with a heavy focus on agriculture, technology, and food security. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has been a significant driver, with New Zealand offering expertise in modern farming practices, sustainable agriculture, and food production technologies like vertical farming, hydroponics, and aquaponics. These innovations are a game-changer for Saudi Arabia, a country grappling with water scarcity, soil fertility, and extreme temperatures.
Saudi Arabia has been making impressive strides towards increasing domestic food production, achieving self-sufficiency in fresh dairy products and eggs by 2023. This shift opens up a world of opportunities for New Zealand businesses, from high-quality food and beverage exports to expertise in farming technologies and veterinary care.
One of the key players in this collaboration is the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC), a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund. SALIC is actively investing both locally and internationally to bolster smart food security, with a keen interest in New Zealand’s dairy sector. This interest paves the way for deeper partnerships and potential investments in New Zealand’s agricultural technology.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is also playing a pivotal role, promoting Kiwi food and beverage exports in Saudi Arabia. With a rising demand for high-quality, nutritious food products in the Kingdom, driven by tourism and a shift towards healthier lifestyles, New Zealand is perfectly positioned to meet this need. Our dairy products, meat, and honey are in high demand, and our strong export infrastructure and trade relations with Saudi Arabia ensure smooth market access.
But it’s not just about the products. New Zealand’s agricultural technologies, such as data-driven farming solutions and modern veterinary care methods, align perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s broader food security objectives. As both nations commit to the sustainable development of their agricultural sectors, their partnership is set to grow, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals and global food security efforts.
Through these collaborations, New Zealand’s experience and innovations are helping to shape a more sustainable and secure agricultural future for Saudi Arabia. This strategic collaboration underscores the shared vision of both nations for a more resilient agricultural and technological future.
