NZ Secures $100m Trade Boost with Five New Partnerships in Saudi Arabia

New Zealand has taken a major step in strengthening its trade and investment ties with the Gulf region, with five new commercial partnerships signed between Kiwi and Saudi Arabian companies. The agreements were formalised at a ceremony in Riyadh during the Government’s latest Trade and Investment Mission, led by Minister for Trade, Investment, and Agriculture Todd McClay.

A $100 Million Opportunity for New Zealand

The partnerships are expected to generate more than $100 million in commercial value for New Zealand, covering a diverse range of industries from agriculture and food production to creative industries and healthcare.

“These partnerships mark an important step in deepening New Zealand’s trade relationship with Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf region,” McClay said. “This will give our exporters a significant boost, reinforce New Zealand as a reliable trade partner, and contribute to our goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years.”

Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 programme aims to diversify its economy beyond oil and accelerate investment in health, food security, tourism, and the creative economy. McClay highlighted that New Zealand businesses are well positioned to play a role in this transformation.

“Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is driving demand for premium, innovative solutions. Today’s new partnerships showcase the strength and diversity of New Zealand’s offerings in food and beverage, animal management, agri-tech, healthcare, and the creative industries sectors well placed to contribute to this transformation,” he said.

The Five New Partnerships

The agreements signed in Riyadh reflect New Zealand’s ability to export not just goods but also expertise and creativity:

1. NIG Nutritionals and Al Dawaa Pharmacy – A distribution agreement to expand access to New Zealand-made nutrition products across Saudi Arabia, tapping into growing demand for high-quality health and wellness solutions.

2. 26 Seasons and Qassim Strawberry & Fruit Cooperative Society – A collaboration to support and promote premium fruit production, bringing New Zealand expertise to Saudi growers and strengthening supply chains.

3. Gallagher Group and Al Tajweed – A major agri-tech partnership to deliver advanced animal management solutions, helping Saudi farmers improve efficiency and sustainability.

4. Wētā Workshop and Rukun Creative Exchange – A creative industries partnership showcasing New Zealand’s world-class design, storytelling, and production expertise, with potential applications in Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment and cultural sectors.

5. Wētā Workshop and Amaq Contracting Company – A second agreement that expands Wētā’s role in the Middle East through large-scale creative and construction ventures, blending artistry with infrastructure.

A Strengthened Gulf Relationship

The deals build on a broader strategy to deepen New Zealand’s engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where demand for premium agricultural goods, cutting-edge technology, and cultural expertise is expanding.

For New Zealand exporters, these agreements represent not only immediate commercial value but also longer-term market positioning in a region undergoing rapid change.

Looking Ahead

Minister McClay emphasised that the partnerships demonstrate New Zealand’s ability to meet international demand with innovation, quality, and reliability.

“These agreements show that New Zealand is not only a trusted supplier of food and agri-tech solutions but also a global leader in creativity and design,” he said.

The partnerships are expected to pave the way for further collaboration in trade, investment, and cultural exchange, as both nations look to strengthen bilateral ties in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and New Zealand’s goal of doubling exports within the next decade.