New Zealand and GCC trade up 71%

New Zealand and GCC trade ties have increased 71 percent over the last two years amid a renewed effort to diversify New Zealand exports, the country’s trade commissioner for the region has said.

Trade between the two regions increased from $695m in 2009 to $1.2bn in 2011 while exports to Qatar rose to $20m last year from $20m in 2009, Steve Jones said during a trip to Qatar.

“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 specialised manufacturing,” he said in a statement.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise established its Beachheads programme, a global public private partnership of advisors that work with New Zealand-based firms to encourage exports, in 2002.

New Zealand will look to expand the initiative, which started in Dubai in 2005, across the Middle East, said Jones.

“Beachheads is 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 said.