H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, recently met with H.E. Nathan Gai, New Zealand Minister of Raw Materials, and his delegation at the ministry’s headquarters in Dubai. The visit aimed at strengthening the bilateral trade relations in food and agricultural products between the UAE and New Zealand as the latter moves to reinforce its partnerships with the Arab country and other GCC states. Gai and his delegates are currently visiting the UAE before heading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman.

Both parties discussed collaborations between the two states regarding agricultural and animal products, investment opportunities and future joint projects. They also talked about how the UAE can benefit from New Zealand’s best practices and expertise in livestock farming as well as how the two countries can further strengthen their cooperation in agriculture and animal trade to ensure food security.

H.E. Bin Fahad assured that the Emirates has been attracting huge foreign investments due to its investor-friendly environment and world-class infrastructure and facilities, including transportation and state-of-the-art airports.

He also noted that the ministry will implement regulations regarding ‘Halal’ products. This is in response to the initiative of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to reinforce Islamic economy in which ‘Halal’ products are one of its crucial foundations.   Furthermore, he said the ministry continues to establish cooperation with various countries for food product exports to the UAE.

“Strong support for this cooperation is very vital to further boost our agricultural and animal sectors. Rest assured that we will expand the existing collaboration between the UAE and New Zealand to achieve our mutual ultimate goal of ensuring food security,” he added.

Gai expressed his appreciation to the ministry especially with regard to issuing ‘Halal’ certificates on food products coming from his home country. He said he is confident that the agricultural and animal trade between the two countries will further flourish. He also praised the UAE for putting an emphasis on the important role of re-exporting food products to other regions across the globe.

H.E Eng. Saif Al Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for Agricultural and Livestock Affairs, and H.E Eng. Mohammed Saleh Badri, Acting Director General of Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA), were also present during the meeting.