AUSVEG welcomes the securing of the Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AUUAE-CEPA), emphasising the deal will help further secure and develop one of the largest export markets for Australian vegetables.
The peak industry body for Australia’s vegetable, potato and onion industry congratulates both the Australian and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Governments for finalising negotiations for the deal, which will promote further trade growth and liberalisation between the two nations.
In 2023, Australia exported almost 40,000 tonnes of vegetables to the UAE, worth $34 million, making the nation the second largest export destination for Australian vegetable produce by value, and largest by volume.
This included 33,000 tonnes of carrots, more than 4200 tonnes of onions, and nearly 2000 tonnes of potatoes.
AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote says the securing of the deal was an important development in the longer-term trading relationship between Australia and the UAE.
“The UAE is a key and valued long-term trading partner for the Australian vegetable industry,” Mr Coote said.
“This deal is an important step that will lock in and underpin the vegetable industry’s ability to trade competitively in a UAE market, where Australian exporters currently enjoy tariff free trade for most fresh vegetables.
“Australia’s vegetable industry warmly welcomes the securing of the AUUAE-CEPA and congratulates the Australian and UAE governments for reaching this agreement.
“AUSVEG is strongly supportive of the Australian Government’s ongoing efforts to develop further trade deals, its trade liberalisation agenda, and any further attempts to expand existing trade deals into the future,” he said.