Emirates SkyCargo is reporting a surge in demand between New Zealand and the UAE following the start of a trade deal between the two countries.
The Dubai-hubbed carrier said that volumes of premium New Zealand exports had increased since the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and New Zealand began in August.
The trade deal eliminates tariffs and streamlines customs procedures, the airline said.
“From Christchurch crayfish and Hawke’s Bay lamb to Central Otago cherries and Auckland orchids, high-quality New Zealand produce is gaining ground in Middle Eastern markets,” Emirates SkyCargo said in a press release.
Emirates operates two daily flights between New Zealand and Dubai using its A380 aircraft, a direct daily service from Auckland and a daily service from Christchurch via Sydney.
In addition to its daily passenger aircraft, Emirates also flies two freighters into Auckland Airport weekly.
NZ Bloom, an exporter of fresh-cut flowers, said that demand for its New Zealand-grown orchids in Dubai increased by an average of 50% year on year over the past two seasons and that is expected to increase further following the implementation of CEPA.
David Ballard, owner of NZ Blooms, said: “Approximately 90% of the orchids grown in New Zealand are sold to international markets, with the UAE one of the largest growing.
”Over two years, we’ve seen demand in Dubai double, which will only continue with the removal of import taxes. Dubai in particular is a major growth market for us, and the UAE is a real pillar to our business.”
Emirates SkyCargo helps export nearly 10,000 tonnes of perishable goods from New Zealand every year.
Wayne Turkington, New Zealand cargo manager, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “The implementation of CEPA marks an exciting new chapter in trade between the UAE and New Zealand. 22 years ago when Emirates SkyCargo first started operating in New Zealand, the UAE was New Zealand’s 30th largest trading partner. Now we’re up to 11.
“The new agreement offers huge opportunities for this to only go up, with exporters able to build on volumes, and add more price competition against global competition.”