NZ-Dubai Roll Out Electronic Trade Processes
New Zealand and Dubai have initiated an electronic exchange of export certificate process that will provide a simpler, more time effective and sustainable method to facilitate two-way trade currently estimated at around $2 billion, reports Issac John for UAE English language newspaper, the Khaleej Times.
The initiative, which is set to further enhance trade of animal products between the two nations, will commence with a three-month pilot programme in April.
A statement from the New Zealand side said the pilot, a first for the UAE, was agreed by New Zealand’s Consul General Kevin McKenna (pictured front right) and Khalid Sharif Al Awadhi, CEO of Dubai Municipality for Health, Safety and Environmentat the Dubai Municipality this week.
The signing ceremony was attended by Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, and Matthew Hawkins (pictured back right), New Zealand Ambassador to the UAE.
The arrangement recognises that New Zealand’s biosecurity and food safety regulatory systems meet the required parameters under the UAE law. New Zealand was the first country to have this recognition, the statement said.
“Electronic exchange of export certificates – paperless certification – will provide a simpler, more time effective and sustainable method to facilitate trade between New Zealand and Dubai. Current paper certificates result in a much slower process with importers required to present physical documents to border clearance officials in the importing country,” it said.
McKenna said the UAE and New Zealand are important partners. “We both share a common vision on pursuing trade with trusted partners that contributes to the lives of all. Making it easier to do business is at the heart of this paperless certification pilot and an exciting step forward for high-quality, safe, nutritious and delicious halal New Zealand food.”
Original article by Issac John, Khaleej Times, February 21, 2019.
